(A version of this article originally appeared in the February 2025 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

MOAA remains poised to advocate for servicemembers, veterans, and retirees and their families and survivors in its work with the 119th Congress over the next two years. This work directly protects benefits that members and their families rely on, from health care coverage to retirement pay and support for military families.

Without strong advocacy, these critical benefits could face reductions or limitations. MOAA’s efforts ensure members have a voice on Capitol Hill, influencing lawmakers to prioritize policies that sustain their quality of life.

[RELATED: MOAA Earns Spot on ‘Top Lobbyist’ List for 18th Straight Year]

To build momentum early in the legislative session, MOAA will host a welcome reception in the first quarter of 2025, connecting with new and returning lawmakers to share its priorities. This event is more than a formality — it’s the foundation for fostering relationships that will carry our advocacy efforts forward.

Why This Congress Matters

The 119th Congress began with 100 lawmakers holding military experience, the largest number in eight years and an increase of three members over the previous session. Of these, 32 began their military service after January 2000 (including former Ohio Sen. JD Vance, who resigned his seat Jan. 10 to become vice president), and 37 others spent part of their careers serving after that date (including former Rep. Mike Waltz, who retired from Congress Jan. 20 to serve as President Donald Trump’s national security adviser).

This shift underscores a generational change, with more members of Congress bringing post-9/11 military experience to the legislative process. This change is significant for two reasons. First, it indicates that a new wave of leaders with firsthand military experience is shaping the legislative agenda. Second, it highlights how voters increasingly value military service as a qualification for leadership.

[RELATED: Wanted: More Veterans in Congress]

These dynamics present opportunities for MOAA to connect with lawmakers who might have a deeper understanding of the challenges servicemembers and their families face. By working with these legislators, MOAA can better advocate for priorities that resonate with their lived experiences.

The Legislative Landscape

Congress operates in a challenging environment, with an increasing number of bills, fewer floor votes, and a growing reliance on omnibus packages. Hyperpartisan politics and fiscal constraints further complicate the path to meaningful legislation.

For MOAA’s members, these trends matter because they affect how and when critical decisions on benefits, pay, and support systems are made. Without vigilance, smaller but impactful changes — like TRICARE fees and pay caps — could erode the benefits members have earned.

[RELATED: TRICARE For Life Enrollment Fees, Cost Shares Part of New Budget Report]

MOAA’s strategy is built to adapt to this environment. By remaining nonpartisan and focusing on collaboration across party lines, MOAA ensures its priorities are not sidelined by political gridlock. This approach is key to navigating today’s legislative hurdles and delivering results for members.

Key Advocacy Topics

Learn More: MOAA’s Legislative Priorities for the 119th Congress

MOAA’s top-tier priorities for 2025 reflect the pressing needs of its constituencies:

• Currently serving: Improving military housing to support readiness and quality of life.
• Retirees/veterans: Advancing the MOAA/Disabled American Veterans (DAV)-authored report Ending the Wait for Toxic-Exposed Veterans to ensure timely delivery of earned benefits.
• Family/survivors: Passing the Military Spouse Hiring Act to expand employment opportunities.
• DoD health care: Enhancing stability and accountability in the military health system.
• VA health care: Improving caregiving support for veterans’ families.

These issues directly affect MOAA members and their families, from housing conditions to access to health care. Advocacy on these topics ensures critical support systems remain robust and accessible.

Enduring Priorities and Redline Issues

Enduring priorities are long-term goals that remain important to MOAA’s advocacy mission, requiring sustained attention across legislative sessions. Redline issues arise when a service-earned benefit is threatened by actions from Congress, the executive branch, or other federal entities.

In such cases, MOAA immediately shifts focus, elevating the issue to a top-tier priority to ensure swift and effective advocacy that protects servicemembers, retirees, and veterans and their families.

[NEW CONGRESS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES: Sign Up for MOAA’s Legislative Action Center]

Adapting to New Leadership

With shifts in chamber control, MOAA’s advocacy must remain dynamic. The association will focus on building relationships with key committees:

• House: These include Veterans’ Affairs, Armed Services, Appropriations Defense and Military Construction-VA subcommittees, and Ways and Means.
• Senate: Veterans’ Affairs, Armed Services, Appropriations Defense and Military Construction-VA subcommittees, and Finance.

These committees play critical roles in advancing MOAA’s priorities, from funding key programs to addressing policy changes.

Advocacy Actions

MOAA’s early efforts in 2025 will prioritize education and engagement. The welcome reception is designed to provide an opportunity to introduce lawmakers to MOAA’s mission and share materials like the Ending the Wait report.

Initial outreach through letters and meetings will ensure legislators understand the stakes and align with MOAA’s priorities.

The Importance of Member Engagement

MOAA’s advocacy is only as strong as its members. By staying informed and participating in campaigns in our Legislative Action Center, members amplify MOAA’s voice on Capitol Hill. The spring 2025 advocacy event, Advocacy in Action, will be a critical opportunity for members to engage directly with lawmakers and push for progress on key issues.

Protecting benefits is not just MOAA’s mission — it’s a shared responsibility with its members. Together, this partnership ensures those who serve and their families continue to receive the support they have earned.