REPORT ON HOUSING STANDARDS AND HOUSING SURVEYS USED TO DETERMINE BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING.

SEC. 605. REPORT ON HOUSING STANDARDS AND HOUSING SURVEYS USED TO DETERMINE BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING.(a) Report Required.—Not later than July 1, 2010, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the following reviews:(1) A review of the housing standards used to determine the monthly rates of basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code.(2) A review of the process and schedule for conducting surveys used to establish locality rates in housing areas to determine such monthly rates of basic allowance for housing.(b) Elements of Housing Standards Review.—In conducting the reviews under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider whether the housing standards and survey process are suitable in terms of—(1) recognizing the societal needs and expectations of families in the United States;(2) providing for an appropriate quality of life for members of the Armed Forces in all grades;(3) recognizing the appropriate rewards and prestige associated with promotion to higher military grades throughout the rank structure; and(4) reflecting the most current housing cost data available.(c) Inclusion of Recommended Changes.—The report required by subsection (a) shall include—(1) such recommended changes to the housing standards, including an estimate of the cost of each recommended change, as the Secretary considers appropriate; and(2) such recommended changes to improve the survey process, including ensuring that the housing cost data used to establish the rates is the most current data available, as the Secretary considers appropriate.