Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed a $2.6 billion disbursement through the Basic Allowance for Housing mechanism.
- Eligibility covers roughly 1.28 million active-duty service members and 174,000 reservists, according to administration figures.
- The White House says funding will draw on tariff revenues and previously approved congressional appropriations, with some financing details yet to be specified.
- The payment is a single, targeted benefit for military personnel rather than a general stimulus for the public.
- Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, criticized the move as politically symbolic and inadequate for broader economic issues.