Bill Overview
Title: Hotels for Heroes Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires public lodging establishments to waive any minimum age requirements to obtain accommodation for members of the Armed Forces who present a valid identification card and seek to obtain accommodation while under military orders or on authorized military leave. A knowing violation of this requirement is punishable by fine.
Sponsors: Rep. Hartzler, Vicky [R-MO-4]
Target Audience
Population: Members of the Armed Forces
Estimated Size: 1300000
- The bill is aimed at members of the Armed Forces.
- There are approximately 1.3 million active-duty personnel in the U.S. military as of recent figures.
- The bill impacts these individuals when they attempt to obtain accommodation while on military orders or authorized leave.
- Not all military personnel travel frequently, but the bill provides opportunities when needed.
- Military standards and practices are relatively similar across countries, so this could conceptually affect military members worldwide if applied globally.
Reasoning
- The policy is specifically targeted at active-duty members of the Armed Forces, who face potential inconvenience due to minimum age restrictions at hotels.
- Typically, military members under the age of 25 might benefit most directly, as many minimum age restrictions around 21 or 25 can hinder their access to accommodation.
- Given the size of the active-duty force and assuming only a fraction require hotel stays while traveling, resources should be sufficient to initially address needs within budget constraints.
- While not all service members will be directly impacted, those frequently traveling or on leave will benefit from increased accommodation flexibility.
- Individuals likely not affected include older members who meet age requirements and those who seldom travel away from bases.
Simulated Interviews
Active-duty Navy Personnel (San Diego, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's embarrassing to be turned away from hotels when traveling under orders.
- This policy seems like a simple fix to an irritating problem.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Active-duty Army Soldier (Fort Hood, TX)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about not being able to find a hotel room when I go on leave.
- It’s good to know there’s support like this policy available.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Active-duty Marine (Honolulu, HI)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy won’t really affect me directly, but it's a great initiative for younger personnel.
- It's a nice change that could help with team morale.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Active-duty Air Force (Virginia Beach, VA)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There have been a few times I've had to shift plans last minute due to age restrictions.
- Relieving to know I won't have to stress about that anymore.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Active-duty Space Force (Colorado Springs, CO)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I already meet age requirements, but I’m glad my younger colleagues will have fewer hurdles.
- It's a positive change, even if it doesn't impact me day-to-day.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Active-duty Navy (Jacksonville, FL)
Age: 21 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will ensure I can rest properly while on duty travel.
- I used to worry about being stranded without a hotel room.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Military Officer in Reservist capacity (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I am not affected, it's good for the younger enlisted personnel.
- I see positivity and no downside in this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Active-duty Army Private (Fayetteville, NC)
Age: 20 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy means fewer hassles when I try to book a hotel on travel days.
- I want to be less worried about getting proper rest off duty.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Active-duty Coast Guard (Seattle, WA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally, a sensible policy that addresses a real issue for younger service members.
- This would make life so much easier while on assignment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Active-duty Navy Officer (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Not an issue for me, but great for those under my command who deal with this.
- I think it will positively impact morale on missions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 3: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 5: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 10: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 100: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Key Considerations
- The compliance and enforcement costs might vary based on the frequency of violations.
- The legal ramifications and processing fines might introduce administrative overheads.
- Military personnel will benefit from increased accessibility to accommodations, which could improve morale.