A bipartisan House bill would require the Pentagon to create an information pathway for military families stationed at a key overseas base, ensuring they remain aware of changes to critical benefits and service policies. 

The Improving Notification for Operational Readiness and Families (INFORM) Act would establish a system to send text messages to eligible servicemembers and their adult dependents stationed at Marine Corps Installations-Pacific in Okinawa, Japan. The messages would cover: 

• Military spouse employment opportunities and support programs. 

• Child care availability and fee-assistance updates. 

• TRICARE benefits, to include upcoming plan deadlines. 

• Changes to Pentagon policies or federal laws that would affect those who serve and their families. 

• Other information deemed “relevant to the well-being of members and dependents of members,” per the bill’s text. 

A MOAA issue paper outlined the need for an expanded version of a text-alert system, highlighting survey data that suggests many military families are not aware of programs that could greatly improve their quality of life.  

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Examples included a 2022 Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) survey that found nearly half (48%) of respondents weren’t aware of the program’s Family Support Feedback Tool, and another 57% said they didn’t know the program offered respite care services. A 2021 Government Accountability Office report showed many servicemembers and families, especially those new to service, weren’t aware of child care fee assistance programs. 

The INFORM Act, introduced Dec. 5 by veteran officers Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Jen Kiggans (R-Va), along with original cosponsors Reps. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), and Rob Wittman (R-Va.), would require a report from the Pentagon by Oct. 1, 2027, on the text system, including whether it should be implemented forcewide. MOAA supports such an expansion, noting in its issue paper the need to expand information channels beyond existing, unreliable methods such as social media posts or routing updates regarding spouse and family programs exclusively through communications with the servicemember. 

“Military families deserve clear, consistent, and reliable communication, especially those stationed overseas,” Houlahan said.  “Our bill ensures that servicemembers and their families on Okinawa get the information they need directly to their phones, without having to dig through multiple systems or outdated channels.  As a former Air Force officer and daughter of a naval officer, I know how much this simple, modern approach to getting timely information can improve quality of life and readiness.” 

[RELATED: House Bill Would Support Military Spouses During PCS Moves] 

Kiggans stressed the program’s importance to “family stability and mission readiness.” 

“Having served overseas with my own family, I know firsthand that clear and timely communication can make all the difference,” she said. 

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