WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03), a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, joined Representative Andy Barr (KY-06) as an original cosponsor of the No Tax on Drill Pay Act, legislation to exempt pay earned by National Guard and Reserve members during drill weekends from federal income taxes.
Under current law, Guardsmen and Reservists pay federal income taxes on compensation earned during monthly drill weekends and additional training activities throughout the year. The No Tax on Drill Pay Act would eliminate federal taxes on Inactive Duty Training pay, putting more money back in the pockets of the more than 800,000 Americans who serve in the National Guard and Reserve, including more than 13,000 in Iowa.
“Our Guard members and Reservists serve on drill days, training deployments, and stand at the ready for our communities,” said Rep. Nunn. “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.”
Rep. Nunn joined colleagues to introduce the legislation on March 13, one day after he welcomed home approximately 140 Iowa National Guard soldiers during a ceremony at Des Moines International Airport. The soldiers are part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, returning from a nearly year-long deployment in the Middle East as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Nearly 1,800 Iowa National Guard soldiers deployed in May 2025 to support operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Hundreds have returned home in phases over the past several weeks.
“Last week, I stood with families at the 132nd Air Wing and watched Iowa Guard members reunite with loved ones after months apart,” continued Rep. Nunn. “These soldiers and their families sacrifice more than most people see. Missed birthdays, long drives to drill, and weekends spent training instead of at home so they are ready to defend our communities at a moment’s notice. Exempting drill pay from federal taxes is one way we can make sure their service doesn’t have an added financial burden.”
“Members of the National Guard and Reserve answer the call to serve our country while
balancing civilian careers and family responsibilities,” said Rep. Barr. “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.”
The National Guard Association of the United States has endorsed the No Tax on Drill Pay Act.
Text of the bill can be found here.
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