The issues at the heart of MOAA’s signature spring advocacy campaign will remain at the top of our priority list, but they are far from the only issues involving service-earned benefits on Capitol Hill.

And as the legislative calendar rolls ahead, it’s critical that MOAA members remain engaged.

Here’s a look at three upcoming touchstones for the 119th Congress and what each could mean for the wider uniformed services community.

Building the NDAA

What: The must-pass FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will be the year’s largest legislative vehicle for critical defense issues, to include military pay rates, quality of life reforms, TRICARE changes, and much more.

When: Legislators and staffers already have begun crafting the legislation. House lawmakers reportedly are targeting early June for the official NDAA mark-up session, where much of the final bill takes shape.

MOAA’s Role: With Congress passing fewer standalone bills than in previous sessions, the NDAA may provide the only practical path for some MOAA legislative priorities to become law. As negotiations continue and amendments move forward, we will look to key legislators to champion a range of issues, to include Advocacy in Action priorities and other benefits protections.

[RELATED: MOAA Members Take the Hill for Advocacy in Action 2026]

Passing a Budget

What: The administration released its FY 2027 budget proposal in early April, including $1.5 trillion for national defense and nearly $490 billion for the VA.

When: The fiscal year ends Sept. 30, giving Congress about five months to pass a budget without relying on a continuing resolution to keep the government open. Lawmakers haven’t passed a budget on time since 1997.

MOAA’s Role: Not only will MOAA continue to advocate for the full funding of national defense and veterans programs, but we will continue to urge Congress to break the cycle of continuing resolutions, which result in wasted resources, misaligned funds, and financial uncertainty for servicemembers and their families. We will also push for passage of the Shutdown Fairness Act, an Advocacy in Action priority that would protect military servicemember pay during federal funding lapses.

Election Season

What: Voters will go to the polls to determine who holds every House seat and one-third of Senate seats for the 120th Congress.

When: Election Day is Nov. 3, but campaign season is in full swing in many parts of the country. After a lame-duck session, the new Congress will begin Jan. 3, 2027.

MOAA’s Role: MOAA does not endorse candidates, but it’s no secret that lawmakers on the campaign trail are more likely to listen to constituent concerns as they court votes. Members who engage their legislators on MOAA priorities – either through our Legislative Action Center or in person in their home districts – can show the importance of these issues as supporters of the uniformed services community head to the ballot box.

Keep up with the legislative timeline, and learn how you can help grow MOAA’s influence on Capitol Hill, by visiting our advocacy news page.