MOAA representatives discussed ongoing concerns in key areas during a recent meeting with professional staff from both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, part of our work to protect service-earned benefits in the face of budget constraints and a compressed congressional calendar.

The talks covered four key areas: unaccompanied housing, military spouse employment, military health system (MHS) access to care, and veterans exposed to toxins while in uniform. Professional staff on both committees characterized the year ahead as primarily defensive, with limited opportunity for advancing new legislative priorities.

They expressed the greatest openness to efforts reinforcing or improving existing policies — particularly in areas related to DoD health care. Other issues, such as unaccompanied housing and military spouse employment, were met with interest and constructive discussion, though committee staff acknowledged constraints that may limit broader legislative action this year.

Here's a look at what was discussed in the March session, and how you can keep up with progress on these critical issues.

Unaccompanied Housing

MOAA and committee staff discussed the potential impacts of the continuing resolution on planned unaccompanied housing improvements. Committee staff acknowledged the issue but noted that funding limitations and competing priorities may constrain options in the near term.

While broader legislative movement on this issue may prove challenging this year, it remains a critical area in need of oversight.

[KEY LINKS: MOAA Issue Paper | Video | Urge Your Legislators to Improve Unaccompanied Housing Transparency]

Military Spouse Employment

MOAA highlighted ongoing challenges facing military spouses in the federal workforce, including barriers related to licensure portability and other employment obstacles. Committee staff expressed support and encouraged continued focus on the issue, noting potential opportunities to push forward bills like the Resilient Employment and Authorization Determination to Increase the National Employment of Serving Spouses (READINESS) Act.

MOAA continues its work in support of the Military Spouse Hiring Act, which would award a tax credit to businesses hiring military spouses. However, because this bill would involve changes to the tax code, it would fall under a different committee jurisdiction.

[KEY LINKS: Issue Paper | Video | Ask Your Lawmakers to Support Military Spouse Employment]

Military Health System: Access to Care

Committee staffers encouraged MOAA to continue advocating for reliable MHS funding amid concerns that DoD is redirecting resources away from health care, impacting both readiness and the benefit itself by undercutting the direct care system.

Committee staff requested feedback on recent MHS stabilization testimony and other legislative proposals. MOAA was also asked to provide draft legislative language for a digital access assistance platform, which is one of our Tier 1 priorities, and help clarify how much was saved through the TRICARE pharmacy network reductions.

[KEY LINKS: Access to Care Issue Paper | Video | Share Your Health Care Access Story With MOAA]

Toxic Exposure

MOAA discussed recommendations from its Ending the Wait initiative and raised concerns about ongoing challenges to access service-earned care and benefits. Committee staff asked what specific problems remain unresolved and whether DoD is still failing to acknowledge certain exposure-related conditions.

MOAA and committee staff agreed it is critical to clearly identify what is still not working in these processes and what gaps may remain.

[KEY LINKS: Issue Paper | Video | Ask Your Lawmaker to Help End the Wait for Service-Earned Benefits]

A Steady Voice

As Congress faces a compressed legislative calendar and ongoing budget uncertainty, MOAA remains committed to engaging with lawmakers and staff to advance practical, achievable improvements for the uniformed services and veteran communities. Even in a constrained environment, opportunities remain — and MOAA will continue to serve as a trusted voice, providing thoughtful policy recommendations and amplifying the concerns of those who serve and have served.

To stay informed and support these efforts, visit MOAA’s Legislative Action Center.