To improve the review and effectiveness of the cost of living adjustments to pay and benefits for members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense whose permanent duty station is located in the 19th Congressional District of California, and for other purposes.

This bill directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to submit a comprehensive report within one year regarding cost of living adjustments (COLA) for members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense whose permanent duty station is located in the 19th Congressional District of California. The report is intended to improve the review and effectiveness of these adjustments, acknowledging that the cost of living in California, particularly in this district, is significantly higher than the national average. The mandated report must detail the methods and factors currently used to determine COLA, and critically assess the appropriateness of including military commissaries or exchanges in these calculations. It will also evaluate whether specific locations within the 19th Congressional District should be designated as high-cost areas and consider the advisability of providing increased COLA for certain areas. Furthermore, the report will compare the factors contributing to COLA determinations for Monterey and Santa Clara, California, to ensure that military personnel and DoD civilians receive accurate and adequate financial support.