The must-pass FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) contains several MOAA-backed provisions directly targeting the pain points servicemembers and families face during PCS moves, which remain one of the most stressful, costly aspects of military life.

Taken together, these provisions represent a turning point and move beyond administrative fixes. In MOAA’s view, they are tangible steps toward honoring the promise made to servicemembers and families: that the burden of service should never fall unfairly on their shoulders.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Restore the Basic Allowance for Housing]

Preventing Another GHC Fiasco

The Senate NDAA would increase accountability in future renegotiations of the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC) by requiring prime contractors to:

• Guarantee peak-season moving capacity and provide on-time delivery standards.
• Report monthly on subcontractor performance and capacity.
• Establish a real-time database for contract oversight.
• Maintain risk management plans and clear procedures for correcting subcontractor failures.
  
  

This provision seeks to avoid a repeat of the challenges experienced over the last year when U.S. Transportation Command attempted to shift more PCS moves from the legacy program to the GHC. Strengthened oversight of the process ensures military families can expect better performance from a system designed to serve them.

PCS Reimbursement Adequacy

The House-passed NDAA includes an amendment led by Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), and crafted with input from MOAA, which would direct the Pentagon to assess whether PCS reimbursements are adequate.

[RELATED: House NDAA Includes TRICARE Reforms, Military Housing Improvements]

Military families frequently experience out-of-pocket costs during moves for some unreimbursed travel expenses. Recent surveys from the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) and Blue Star Families revealed some servicemembers and their families spend between $500 to $2,000 on unreimbursed PCS expenses. This report is vital to collecting the data needed to adjust reimbursement rates so families aren’t financially penalized for fulfilling PCS orders.

PCS Churn Reduction Study

Another House amendment, this one led by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), would require a report to Congress by March 2026 evaluating the costs, savings, and family impacts of reducing PCS frequency and adjusting Navy sea/shore rotations.

This study acknowledges what families already know: Constant moves strain marriages, disrupt careers, and unsettle children’s education. By exploring alternatives to today’s PCS churn, Congress can chart a path toward greater stability while safeguarding readiness.

Building a PCS System That Works

The FY 2026 NDAA signals that Congress is listening — and with MOAA’s continued advocacy, PCS reform can finally deliver the stability and fairness military families deserve.

Keep up with the latest MOAA advocacy efforts, and be ready to reach out to your lawmakers on high-priority issues throughout the NDAA process, by registering at our Legislative Action Center.