Press Releases
Congressman Hamadeh Applauds Department of War for Decision to Support Troops in Harm’s Way through Increased Combat PayCongressman Hamadeh introduced Combat Pay Protection Act in June
Washington,
October 1, 2026
Congressman Hamadeh was proud to introduce the Combat Pay Protection Act.
WASHINGTON D.C. – In June, Congressman Hamadeh was proud to introduce the Combat Pay Protection Act. Now, he is pleased to learn that that the Department of War issued a memo in July outlining plans that went into effect today, October 1, to increase Hostile Fire Pay and Imminent Danger Pay to $450 and $275 per month respectively. Congressman Hamadeh introduced the Combat Pay Protection Act because he believes that America’s warfighters should be paid the same way members of Congress are. Combat pay has not increased since 2003. Currently, America’s warfighters’ combat pay amounts to only $7.50 per day, capped at $225 per month. That is barely enough to buy a large coffee while serving in harm’s way. An identical amendment was offered by Congressman Hamadeh and included in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by unanimous voice vote of his colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee. “I am grateful that President Trump and his administration is providing this increase in pay for our men and women serving in combat, hazardous, and high-risk assignments,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “This increase is long overdue and a wise investment in America’s warfighters and military families.” As a former U.S. Army Reserve Intelligence Officer, Congressman Hamadeh crafted legislation to usher in an historic modernization of military compensation. Background: According to the Department of Defense Military Compensation Background paper (2018) Pays, Allowances, Gratuities, and Benefits Summary: “Hostile Fire Pay (HFP) and Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) often collectively referred to as Combat Pay -- have not been increased since 2003, despite their central role in compensating servicemembers operating in hostile environments. These pays remain capped at $225 per month, or less than $8 per day, regardless of inflation, increased risk exposure, or evolving deployment tempos. In real terms, the $225 monthly rate for Hostile Fire Pay and Imminent Danger Pay in 2003 is equivalent to about $375 today, yet the statutory rate remains unchanged.” |
