With lawmakers home for their summer recess, now is the time for MOAA members to raise their voices to make a difference.

We need you to help ensure these legislators hear a clear, unified message: Support for servicemembers, veterans, and their families must remain a national priority.

MOAA’s Summer Advocacy in Action (AiA) campaign focuses on three legislative priorities that directly affect readiness, retention, and the well-being of our nation’s all-volunteer force. Your advocacy can make the difference in moving these bipartisan efforts over the finish line.

Support Combat-Injured Veterans: Pass the Major Richard Star Act

Combat-injured veterans who were medically retired before reaching 20 years of service are being unfairly penalized by an outdated policy that offsets their service-earned DoD retirement pay dollar-for-dollar against their VA disability compensation. The Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102 | S. 1032) would eliminate the so-called "wounded veteran tax."

Nearly 54,000 combat-injured veterans would be impacted by this legislation. The bill has broad bipartisan support and is among the most-cosponsored bills in the 119th Congress.

When servicemembers see that promises made will be promises kept — especially in the event of injury — it builds trust and reinforces long-term service. Addressing this inequity sends a powerful message to today’s force and future generations alike.

[READ THE ISSUE PAPER | TAKE ACTION]

Support Military Families: Pass the Military Spouse Hiring Act

Military spouse unemployment remains stubbornly high — hovering above 20% for years. Frequent relocations and hiring stigma often keep qualified military spouses from securing and maintaining gainful employment. The Military Spouse Hiring Act (H.R. 2033 | S. 1027) would incentivize businesses to hire military spouses by adding them to the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program.

Many employers avoid hiring military spouses due to concerns about relocation and turnover. Two incomes are essential for many military families; lack of spouse employment can derail long-term financial stability. A 2016 study estimated $710 million to $1.07 billion in societal costs from military spouse un- and underemployment. The WOTC has already proven successful with veterans, resulting in nearly 600,000 veteran hires from 2020 to 2024.

Dual-income stability is critical to both readiness and retention. When military families can count on financial security, servicemembers can stay focused on their mission — and are more likely to stay in uniform.

[READ THE ISSUE PAPER | TAKE ACTION] 

Improve Access for Families Using TRICARE 

Administrative red tape and access delays continue to burden military families seeking routine and prenatal care — especially through TRICARE Prime. MOAA supports two bipartisan bills designed to streamline care delivery, reduce lost duty time, and ensure continuity during critical life events.

The TOTAL Care Act (H.R. 1699) would eliminate the TRICARE Prime referral requirement for OB-GYN care. Civilian plans already allow patients to access OB-GYNs directly — TRICARE families should not face additional barriers that delay preventive and pregnancy-related care.

[ISSUE PAPER: Pass the TOTAL Care Act]

The Improving Access to Prenatal Care for Military Families Act (H.R. 4381 | S. 2239) would make pregnancy a TRICARE qualifying life event, enabling families to switch plans outside of open season. This flexibility helps families avoid being trapped in under-resourced military treatment facilities where access to timely care isn’t guaranteed.

[ISSUE PAPER: Pass the Improve Access to Prenatal Care for Military Families Act]

Both bills are included in the House version of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and your advocacy can help ensure they remain in the final version.

Servicemembers should not lose duty time or focus because their families are navigating preventable health care delays. These bills provide common-sense flexibility that keeps the force ready and families supported during key transitions.

[TAKE ACTION: Support Access to Care for Military Families]

How You Can Help

During the August recess, lawmakers are listening closely to their constituents — and we need your help to deliver this message in every district and every state. Along with sharing the link to our Summer Advocacy in Action landing page, you can:

• Sign up for the Legislative Action Center to send messages directly to your lawmakers. Signing up will also enable you to receive priority alerts on breaking issues on Capitol Hill that affect those in uniform.
  
  
• Call your elected officials today directly via MOAA’s Capitol Hotline at (866) 272-MOAA (6622).
  
  
• Get in touch with your local MOAA chapter to engage and drive forward grassroots legislative advocacy at the local level.

As always, MOAA remains a nonpartisan voice advocating for a strong national defense and support for those who serve. These three issues — fair pay for combat-injured veterans, employment opportunities for military spouses, and access to care for TRICARE families — are all directly tied to the health, strength, and readiness of the all-volunteer force.