Congressman Blake Moore Introduces Legislation to Provide Qualified Hazardous Duty Area Designation for Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Chad

WASHINGTON­– Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) introduced bipartisan legislation to extend the Qualified Hazardous Duty Area (QHDA) designation to Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Chad, ensuring that U.S. servicemembers stationed in these high-risk areas receive critical tax exclusion benefits. This bill comes alongside bipartisan support from fellow lawmakers and endorsements from leading military organizations, including 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. At a time when terrorist activity in the Sahel is ramping up and Russian mercenaries are stalking the region to exert their influence, now is the time to provide this low-cost tax exclusion to uniformed Americans putting their lives on the line.”

The QHDA designation allows servicemembers deployed in hazardous areas to exclude their compensation from federal taxes. Currently, only countries where servicemembers receive Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) are eligible for this designation. Mali, Chad, Kenya, and Burkina Faso have already been designated as IDP areas. 

The Sahel region is witnessing increased activity from violent extremist organizations and political instability, including numerous military coups and ongoing instability in neighboring countries. With the withdrawal of French partner forces, U.S. military personnel in the region are now operating with limited additional support, including medical evacuation services. This legislation provides much-needed support for the relatively small number of U.S. servicemembers deployed in the region, bringing the total estimated cost to just $3 million over the next decade. The bill ensures that when a country is no longer designated for IDP, the QHDA designation will automatically end, ensuring that the benefits are provided only as long as necessary.

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

“The Sahel region is facing increasing threats from violent extremist organizations and mercenary groups, including Russian proxies, and our servicemembers are operating in extremely dangerous conditions,” said Congressman Panetta. “This legislation acknowledges the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make every day to bring stability to a region marked by political instability and rising threats. Providing this tax benefit is a small way to honor their service and ensure they are supported while serving in these high-risk environments.”

“As our foreign adversaries expand their influence in the Sahel, the risk to our servicemembers in that region increases,” 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, accounting for over half of terrorism-related deaths worldwide and posing unprecedented threats to security and stability,” said Congressman Schneider. “Our servicemembers stationed in this region confront escalating violence and increasingly complex threats every day, often under conditions as dangerous as combat zones. This bipartisan effort acknowledges their sacrifices by extending well-deserved tax benefits, recognizing their bravery and commitment as they serve on the front lines of this critical global security challenge.”

“The Sahel region of Africa has become a hotspot for global instability, with our servicemembers facing increasing danger and violence in the region every day,” said Congressman Carbajal. “As threats continue to grow, extending tax benefits to the troops serving there is a simple and necessary step. I’m proud to support this vital legislation to honor their service.”

“Our servicemembers in high-risk areas sacrifice so much for our country, they deserve nothing less than our unwavering support,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “As threats in the Sahel region of Africa continue to rise, we must do everything in our power to take care of our troops on the ground working to neutralize terrorist activity and restore peace and stability. Providing tax exclusion benefits to our brave servicemembers stationed in dangerous areas like the Sahel is a no brainer. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important legislation to support the men and women in uniform who risk so much to serve our great nation.”

“Our servicemembers face an increasingly deadly and complex threat landscape in the Sahel region of Africa,” said Congressman Nunn. “Their fight against extreme terrorists and Russian mercenaries is critical to peace and stability in the region and we’re here to support their mission all the way. This bipartisan effort extends critical tax benefits for our troops in high-risk areas and I’m proud to join my colleagues to support our men and women in uniform.”   

“As a Marine officer who has spent time in hazardous theaters, I understand the added pressures and risks that are incurred,” said Congressman McCormick. “Our service members in the Sahel are operating in an increasingly dangerous environment, facing threats from terrorist organizations, Russian mercenaries, and political instability. The Qualified Hazardous Duty Area designation rightly recognizes their sacrifice and ensures they receive the benefits they have earned. This is a common-sense measure to support those who put their lives on the line for our national security.”

“Today, there is no sanctuary for service members – at home or abroad. This legislation is far overdue and is displayed from the bi-partisan veteran co-sponsors,” said David Cook, Executive Director, Special Operations Association of America (SOAA). “The Special Operations Association of America applauds Congressman Panetta and the all-star cast of veteran Members for bringing this legislation to Congress in a region where US Special Operations Forces are heavily engaged.”

“Servicemembers serving across Africa confront substantial and shifting obstacles and hazardous conditions as they collaborate with our regional allies,” said MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret). “Extending tax benefits to our personnel operating in this challenging and risky environment aligns with other priorities and geographic areas where our military serves to safeguard our nation and ensure international stability. MOAA appreciates the bipartisan leadership of the House in championing this legislation to recognize and compensate troops facing well beyond normal hazardous conditions.”

###