Study on adjustments to basic allowance for housing calculation

(a) Study The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall conduct a study to evaluate potential adjustments to the methods for determining the monthly rates for the basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code. (b) Elements The study required by subsection (a) shall include— (1) an estimate of the additional costs or savings to the Department of Defense of establishing monthly rates for basic allowance for housing based on a market analysis from within a commuting area that is defined as a 120-minute or less round-trip driving time from the residence of a member of the Armed Forces to the assigned duty station of such member; and (2) an assessment of the impact on the quality of life, recruitment, and retention of members of the Armed Forces if monthly rates are established as described in paragraph (1), particularly with respect to members assigned to unique geographic areas in which local housing conditions create disproportionate challenges, including— (A) Montauk, New York; (B) Shinnecock, New York; and (C) Nantucket, Massachusetts. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing the results of the study required by subsection (a).