BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING FOR MEMBERS ASSIGNED TO VESSELS UNDERGOING MAINTENANCE.

SEC. 623. BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING FOR MEMBERS ASSIGNED TO VESSELS UNDERGOING MAINTENANCE. Section 403(f)(2) of title 37, United States Code, is amended— (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking “subparagraphs (B) and (C)” and inserting “subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D)”; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: “(D)(i) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary may authorize the payment of a basic allowance for housing to a member of a uniformed service without dependents who is serving in a pay grade below E-6 and has orders to a naval vessel during a shipyard availability or maintenance period. “(ii) In prescribing regulations under clause (i), the Secretary concerned shall consider the availability of quarters for members serving in pay grades below E-6 before authorizing the payment of a basic allowance for housing for such members.” .