Barr Introduces “No Tax on Drill Pay” Act to Support National Guardsmen and Reservists

Washington, D.C.- Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced the No Tax on Drill Pay Act, legislation to exempt federal income taxes on Inactive Duty Training (IDT) pay earned by members of the National Guard and Reserve during their drill weekends. U.S. Congressman Max Miller (R-OH) and U.S. Congressman Zach Nunn (R-IA) are original cosponsors of the bill. Congressman Miller served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and Congressman Nunn is currently serving in the Iowa Air National Guard.

Barr's bill recognizes the service and sacrifice of citizen-military members by ensuring the pay they receive for monthly drill weekends and required training is not subject to federal income tax. Barr also strongly supported the Warrior Dividend of $1,776 ahead of Christmas announced by President Trump that some National Guardsmen and Reservists received. Barr also voted to exempt federal taxes on tips, overtime, and social security last year in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

More than 800,000 Americans serve in the Guard and Reserve, and of that, over 15,000 Guardsmen and Reservists are deployed overseas each year. Guardsmen and Reservists play a critical role in U.S. national defense while also responding to emergencies at home-including natural disasters, border security missions, and domestic crises.

Under current law, National Guardsmen and Reservists must pay federal income taxes on compensation received for Inactive Duty Training, which typically includes one weekend of training per month and additional readiness activities throughout the year.

"Members of the National Guard and Reserve answer the call to serve our country while balancing civilian careers and family responsibilities," said Congressman Barr, a past recipient of the Charles Dick Medal of Merit, the highest honor given to elected officials for advocacy of the National Guard. "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."

"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," said Congressman Miller. "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."

"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," said Congressman Nunn.

"Drill pay is not a bonus - it is compensation for time spent training to respond to emergencies, deploy overseas, and protect the homeland," said Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn (Ret.), president of the National Guard Association of the United States. "Exempting inactive-duty training pay from federal income taxes recognizes that service, helps recruit and retain the force, and ensures Guardsmen are not financially penalized for answering the call. NGAUS strongly supports this legislation and thanks Reps. Barr, Miller, and Nunn for introducing a bill that provides meaningful support to the citizen-soldiers and airmen who stand ready every day."

"Thank you, Congressman Barr, for your leadership and recognition of the sacrifices by the brave men and women serving in all reserve components," said Joe Gardner, Executive Director of the Kentucky National Guard Association.

"I strongly support this measure to provide federal tax relief to our reserve and guardsman during drill," said Kentucky State Senator Matthew Deneen (R-SD-10), Chairman of the Kentucky State Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee. "These dedicated men and women providing service to their communities and country both at home and overseas, and they play a vital role in our national security, disaster response efforts and the strength of our armed services. Supporting those who step forward to serve is not only the right thing to do, it's essential to maintaining a strong and ready military."

"The Guard and Reserve are essential to both our national defense and the safety of our communities," said Kentucky State Senator Matt Nunn (R-SD-17), a champion of veterans in Frankfort. "As a former guardsman, I know full well the sacrifices our guardsmen and their families make. Whether responding to emergencies here in our Commonwealth or supporting missions overseas, they serve with professionalism and dedication. I want to thank Congressman Barr for supporting our Guard and Reserve with a proposal that will help them invest in their American Dream while protecting all of ours."

"Kentucky has a long tradition of service, and our Guard and Reserve members are a big part of that legacy," said Kentucky State Representative Bobby McCool (R-HD-14), Chairman of the House Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee. "As a former Air National Guardsmen myself, I know the impact the No Tax on Drill Pay will have on Guard and Reserve families. I commend Congressman Barr for his leadership on this bill and I fully support it."

"Guardsmen and Reservists are always ready to answer the call from Kentucky and the nation," said Kentucky State Representative Stephen Bratcher (R-HD-25), Vice Chair of the House Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee. "Their service often takes place quietly on weekends and during training periods that many people never see. I couldn't think of a better way to reward this patriotic service."