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The House voted Monday to let combat soldiers deposit tax-free pay into individual retirement accounts.

"Our servicemen and women work to protect us," said Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Texas. "It's time we worked to protect them and their retirement savings."

Current rules prohibit individuals from depositing untaxed income into tax-advantaged retirement accounts. The bill, passed by voice vote, makes an exception for combat pay.

The bill's supporters said IRA rules punish soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq who earn only tax-free combat pay.

"As deployment times have grown longer and longer, many soldiers now serve entire calendar years overseas, making their yearly compensation exist of hazard pay exclusively," said Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., the bill's sponsor.

"Responsible retirement savings should be encouraged for everyone, but especially for those who take up arms in war zones and fight for our freedom," he said.

Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich., said the bill is one step to help the many workers who don't save enough for their retirement.

"I am sure that many members of the military fall into this group," he said.

Workers can deposit up to $4,000 in an IRA this year. The Senate has not yet considered the bill.