Horsford Introduces Legislation to Honor Military Appreciation Month

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) introduced two bills to address issues faced by veterans and active-duty servicemembers in recognition of Military Appreciation Month. H.R. 8381, the Strengthening Transparent Reporting to Improve Veteran Equality (STRIVE) Act, and H.R. 8382, the Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Tax Relief Act, will improve veterans’ benefits and ensure equitable tax relief for remotely piloted aircraft crews.

“I’m taking steps to address disparities in veterans’ benefits and support our remotely piloted aircraft crews during this Military Appreciation Month,” said Congressman Horsford. “The STRIVE Act will shed light on the inequities that exist for veterans, while the RPA Crews Tax Relief Act will ensure that those who serve in combat zones, even remotely, receive the benefits they deserve. It’s past time that we honor the sacrifices of all our servicemembers, both past and present.”

The STRIVE Act will expand reporting by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense on disparities in judicial and non-judicial punishments, characterizations of discharge, and access to veteran benefits. It will address gaps in the application and receipt of veteran benefits, particularly for servicemembers of color and women, and require plans to rectify any identified disparities.

The RPA Crews Tax Relief Act will expand Combat Zone Tax Exclusion eligibility to remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) crews operating missions in combat zones. Despite facing similar combat stressors, RPA crews do not currently qualify for the same tax-free income as their counterparts physically present in combat zones. This legislation will benefit those flying Air Force RPA missions out of Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, NV.