Ohio congressman wants more troops to get tax break

(The Center Square) – An Ohio congressman wants to give a tax break to more U.S. soldiers deployed overseas rather than those only in designated combat zones.

Republican Rep. Warren Davidson recently introduced the Brave Act, which would change IRS law and expand the combat income tax exclusion from officially designated combat zones to include nonpermanently deployed service members abroad.

“When our soldiers deploy for combat, they don't pay taxes," Davidson said. "When they deploy around the world to promote peace and deter war, they pay taxes. The Brave Act makes it clear: reward both of these deployments – respect our warriors. The 'Brave Act' ensures that those serving in foreign deployments receive the full tax relief they deserve, maintaining fairness for all service members.”

Deployment pay for troops in combat zones is not counted as taxable gross income. However, combat zones are declared by executive order, meaning only about a dozen countries – such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Jordan, Somalia, The Sinai and others – qualify.

Sometimes, other countries where the U.S. bases provide combat support to another area, such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, also receive the designation.

Davidson calls the approach arbitrary and unpredictable, as U.S. service members are deployed to about 175 countries. Davidson said those members risk their lives and shoulder significant personal costs without the official designation.

Davidson enlisted in the Army after high school and was eventually appointed to West Point.