Stop targeting the housing allowance of dual-military couples as part of budget negotiations in the House and Senate.

The Senate has inserted language in its version of the fiscal 2016 Defense Authorization Bill that will directly impact dual-military couples. The bill would allow only the higher-ranking member in a dual-service marriage to draw any Basic Allowance for Housing; the other military member would be ineligible. This creates a significant pay disparity between dual military couples and non-married service members. In addition, in a climate of pay disparity for women and recent passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, this action will affect a disproportionate number of female personnel who are more likely to be married to another service member. Each person signs an enlistment contract as an individual; a marriage certificate should not negate the conditions of a service member’s contract!