Texas Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R) has joined an effort to investigate the Biden administration’s alleged misallocation of millions of dollars meant for service members’ food and nutrition. Rep. Luttrell and other lawmakers are demanding transparency regarding the reported misuse of the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), which is deducted from soldiers’ paychecks to cover food expenses.
In a letter addressed to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the lawmakers expressed their concerns over reports that a significant portion of these funds—ranging from 20 to 50 percent at some military installations—has been diverted to unrelated programs. They argue that this is a “break in trust” between the military and its leadership, potentially harming morale and readiness.
The Biden administration misused millions meant for our service members' food and nutrition.
I signed onto a letter asking for @SecDef @PeteHegseth to investigate this issue and provide transparency and accountability. pic.twitter.com/cvKJhk7dFu
— Congressman Morgan Luttrell (@RepLuttrell) February 27, 2025
"It has come to our attention through media that the United States Army has been spending an exorbitant amount of the money that is deducted from Soldiers’ paychecks for food on unrelated programs," the letter states. "Since this money is specifically labeled and allocated to the service members for subsistence, the fact that it is being utilized elsewhere is a break in trust."
The lawmakers question if the mismanagement reflects a broader failure of the Biden administration to address quality-of-life concerns for service members, warning that it threatens military retention, readiness, and overall force effectiveness.
To ensure accountability, the lawmakers outline specific questions that the Department of Defense must answer, including:
- How much of the deducted BAS funds are actually being used for food-related programs?
- What are the remaining funds being spent on?
- Who is responsible for approving the use of these funds?
- How is the DoD ensuring compliance with nutrition policies and standards?
Rep. Luttrell and the other lawmakers are calling for a full report detailing how these funds are allocated, emphasizing the need for greater oversight to protect the well-being of U.S. service members.
