The must-pass FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has cleared both the House and Senate Armed Services committees (HASC and SASC), marking an important milestone for servicemembers, retirees, and their families. The Senate released its full bill text June 16, and MOAA’s uniformed service advocates are digging into the details of this comprehensive legislation.
As that analysis gets underway, the SASC's executive summary offers a strong first look at the key provisions that could affect military pay, health care, housing, and other support programs — and where the Senate and House versions still need to be reconciled before the bill reaches the president's desk.
Where the Versions Align
Military CARE Act: The HASC version has two related provisions. One directs a study on the feasibility of Military CARE Act requirements – specifically, establishing a digital system allowing beneficiaries to report access to care barriers at military treatment facilities (MTFs). The other requires guidance on the process and timeline for beneficiaries and providers to file complaints and report issues related to the TRICARE purchased care system that have not been resolved through existing channels.
The Senate appears to go further by requiring a digital system that will enable TRICARE beneficiaries who receive care at MTFs or under the TRICARE program to electronically file a complaint, raise awareness about an issue, or provide positive feedback relating to that care.
[TAKE ACTION: Urge Your Lawmakers to Address MTF Access Problems with the Military CARE Act]
MTF Downsize/Realignment Protections: The House bill directs the Pentagon to reverse planned service reductions at 41 military hospitals and clinics and halts downsizing pending additional review and reporting requirements to Congress. The Senate version requires a certification to Congress of a comprehensive review of any future actions to downsize MTFs no later than one year before the proposed action.
Review of Express Scripts/TRICARE Pharmacy Program: Both the House and Senate direct the comptroller general to conduct an audit or review of Express Scripts and the TRICARE Pharmacy program.
Privatized Military Housing Tenant Protections: Both chambers include provisions prohibiting landlords from requesting that tenants, former tenants, or prospective tenants sign nondisclosure agreements, and expand the channels through which tenants can report housing concerns without fear of retaliation.
Impact Aid: Both versions would authorize $50 million in supplemental impact aid for schools with significant numbers of military-connected students, along with an additional $10 million specifically for children with severe disabilities.
Non-Medical Counseling Services: The non-medical counseling program has been critical for military families navigating the unique stresses of service, and both chambers moved to preserve it. The House extends the program's authority through Dec. 22, 2029, while the Senate would repeal the time limitation altogether. The commitment to keeping this resource available is clear in both versions.
Where the Versions Diverge
Military Pay Raise: The House adopts the administration's tiered approach, proposing a 7% raise for junior enlisted servicemembers at E-5 and below, 6% for midgrade personnel (E-6 to O-3), and 5% for senior ranks.
The Senate version includes a 3.6% across-the-board raise – in line with Employment Cost Index figures used to inform the raise most years – and bolsters quality-of-life programs including health care, child care, and tuition assistance as part of a broader compensation package.
MOLD Act: For military families who have lived with the consequences of substandard housing conditions, the Senate bill brings welcome news. The Senate included a version of the MOLD Act, legislation MOAA has actively championed which would establish accountability standards for addressing mold and other hazardous conditions in military housing.
[TAKE ACTION: Ask Congress to Address the Hazardous Unaccompanied Housing Conditions Rampant in the Military]
Child Care Access — In-Home/Au Pairs: The House bill expands the in-home child care financial assistance pilot to include au pairs and establishes a direct payment mechanism for participating families.
Pregnancy as a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event: The House bill includes a five-year pilot program that would treat pregnancy as a qualifying life event for enrollment in TRICARE Select, giving pregnant servicemembers and beneficiaries more flexibility in accessing care.
With floor votes expected in both chambers later this summer, the real negotiations are just beginning. The House is expected to take up its version in early to mid-July, while the Senate is working to complete its floor action before the August recess.
MOAA will continue to track the bill's progress and keep you informed as the bill moves through the legislative process.
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