U.S. Congressman Andy Barr announced on Mar. 13 the introduction of the No Tax on Drill Pay Act, a bill that would exempt federal income taxes on Inactive Duty Training pay earned by members of the National Guard and Reserve during their drill weekends. The legislation is cosponsored by Congressman Max Miller and Congressman Zach Nunn, both with military backgrounds.
The proposed measure aims to recognize the service of citizen-military members by ensuring that compensation received for monthly drills and required training is not subject to federal income tax. Supporters say this change could help boost recruitment, retention, and readiness among Guardsmen and Reservists who balance military duties with civilian careers.
Barr said, “Members of the National Guard and Reserve answer the call to serve our country while balancing civilian careers and family responsibilities. Ending federal taxes on a portion of their military pay will reward these patriots for their service to our country. The No Tax on Drill Pay Act will boost recruitment and retention, strengthen military readiness, and continue our commitment to treating our military better than any in the world.”
Congressman Miller added, “If we truly value the service of our Guardsmen and Reservists, the least we can do is let them keep every dollar they earn while preparing to defend our country. I am proud to cosponsor the No Tax on Drill Pay Act to ensure the pay they earn during drill weekends stays in their pockets, not Washington’s. This bill affirms our commitment to those who boldly defend our nation both at home and abroad.”
Congressman Nunn said he hears from Iowa Guardsmen about financial strain: “Our Guard members and Reservists serve on drill days, training deployments, and stand at the ready for our communities. Time away from families, jobs, and home. Under current law, they pay federal income taxes on every dollar they earn doing it. I hear from Iowa Guardsmen and their families about the financial strain that comes with that commitment, and this bill is a straightforward fix: exempt drill pay from federal income taxes so more of that money stays with the families who earned it.”
Support for the bill also came from Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn (Ret.), president of the National Guard Association of the United States: “Drill pay is not a bonus – it is compensation for time spent training to respond to emergencies, deploy overseas, and protect the homeland… NGAUS strongly supports this legislation…” Additional endorsements were given by Kentucky officials including Joe Gardner of the Kentucky National Guard Association; State Senators Matthew Deneen and Matt Nunn; State Representative Bobby McCool; and State Representative Stephen Bratcher.
More than 800,000 Americans serve in the Guard or Reserve each year according to data cited in Barr’s announcement.
Barr has represented Kentucky’s 6th district in Congress since 2013 after replacing Ben Chandler according to official records. He previously served in Kentucky’s House of Representatives according to official records. Barr was born in Lexington in 1973 where he currently resides according to his biography. He graduated from University of Virginia with a BA in 1996 before earning his JD at University of Kentucky College of Law in 2001 according to his biography.
