Weber Times

Congressman Blake Moore has introduced bipartisan legislation to extend the Qualified Hazardous Duty Area (QHDA) designation to Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Chad. This move aims to ensure that U.S. servicemembers stationed in these high-risk areas receive critical tax exclusion benefits. The bill has received support from fellow lawmakers and endorsements from military organizations such as the Special Operations Association of America and the Military Officers Association of America.

“It has been my priority on the Ways and Means Committee to represent the interests of our military servicemembers through commonsense tax policies like this,” said Congressman Moore. “The Sahel region poses acute threats to the American homeland, and our servicemembers stationed there should be given every possible leg up from Congress."

Currently, only countries where servicemembers receive Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) are eligible for QHDA designation. Mali, Chad, Kenya, and Burkina Faso have already been designated as IDP areas.

The Sahel region is experiencing increased activity from violent extremist organizations and political instability. With French partner forces withdrawn, U.S. military personnel now operate with limited additional support in the region. The legislation provides support for a small number of U.S. servicemembers deployed there at an estimated cost of $3 million over a decade.

This legislation was introduced alongside several congressmen including Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Austin Scott (R-GA), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Trent Kelly (R-MS), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Don Davis (D-NC), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), and Cory Mills (R-FL).

“The Sahel region is facing increasing threats from violent extremist organizations," said Congressman Panetta. "Providing this tax benefit is a small way to honor their service.”

“As our foreign adversaries expand their influence in the Sahel," said Congressman Scott, "it only makes sense that they receive benefits that reflect that risk.”

“The Sahel has emerged as the epicenter of global terrorism," said Congressman Schneider.

“The Sahel region of Africa has become a hotspot for global instability," said Congressman Carbajal.

“Our servicemembers in high-risk areas sacrifice so much for our country," said Congresswoman Kiggans.

“Our servicemembers face an increasingly deadly threat landscape in the Sahel region," said Congressman Nunn.

“As a Marine officer who has spent time in hazardous theaters," said Congressman McCormick.

David Cook from SOAA stated: “The Special Operations Association of America applauds Congressman Panetta."

MOAA President Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly added: “Extending tax benefits aligns with other priorities."