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Advocacy in Action
2026
Advocacy in Action (AiA) is MOAA’s biggest event of the year. It’s time for MOAA members to gather — whether in person or remotely — and raise our voice. In April, we’re rallying to take our message to Capitol Hill and speak up for issues that matter to the uniformed services community.
Hundreds of MOAA members will go to Capitol Hill April 15th. Many others will participate by sending messages from wherever they are. MOAA asks you to engage directly with your lawmakers, whether in the halls of Congress or from home. Lawmakers and their staffs need to hear what matters to you, their constituents.
As the 119th Congress is in their second half of their term, MOAA is ready to champion critical issues for the uniformed services and veterans’ communities. MOAA asks you to send a message to lawmakers to stand up for members of the uniformed services, veterans, retirees, families, and surviving spouses.
“Advocacy isn’t just a one-day event. It’s a year-round effort, and every voice matters,” said Maj. Gen. April Vogel, USAF (Ret), MOAA vice president of Government Relations. “Whether you’re walking the halls of Congress, meeting with legislators in your district, or reaching out from home, your engagement shapes the policies that affect our community.”
Legislators need to hear and understand why MOAA’s priorities matter. With a new congressional session underway, many MOAA members might find themselves represented by new lawmakers — whether due to redistricting, retirements, or election results. This change presents a valuable opportunity to connect with your legislators and advocate for the uniformed services community.
“Lawmakers listen when their constituents speak up, and by using MOAA’s Legislative Action Center, you can make sure they hear you loud and clear,” Vogel said. “Every call, email, and conversation helps move the needle.”
MOAA’s priorities for Congress reflect our commitment to protect compensation and benefits, ensure access to top-tier DoD and VA health care, and address the unique challenges military families and veterans face. These efforts underscore MOAA’s unwavering dedication to those who serve and have served.
2026 Issues
Anyone may use the MOAA Advocacy Links below. You do not have to be a MOAA or MUSNAVC member.
How to Support and Take Action
Your involvement and support is crucial for the success of Advocacy in Action 2024
- Visit the local office of your Representative and discuss the issues.
- Call your Representative or their staff and share the information found on the MOAA Issue Papers, found below. Watch 'how to prepare' video below.
- Send a message to your lawmakers by simply clicking the links below.
Anyone can send a message using the MOAA link. If not a member, just check "other" when asked for your military affiliation.
Ending the ‘Wounded Veteran Tax’
The Bill: The Major Richard Star Act would end an unfair pay offset faced by tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans who lose a dollar of retirement pay for every dollar of VA disability compensation. The wide majority of members in both the House and Senate have cosponsored this legislation, but it has been derailed by procedural and rules issues in recent sessions.
Take Action: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support Combat-Injured Veterans
Learn More: Star Act Stories | The Star Act Alliance | Star Act SITREP
MOAA Resources: Download the issue paper (PDF)
Protect Pay of ALL Who Serve During Federal Shutdowns
The Bill: The Shutdown Fairness Act would protect the pay of armed forces members (to include Drill Status Reservists) during a federal funding lapse. MOAA supports this effort to avoid this regular disruption and uncertainty faced by servicemembers and their families, and supports an amendment to the legislation to cover U.S. Public Health Service and NOAA Commissioned Corps members.
Take Action: Ask Your Lawmakers to Protect Servicemember Pay During Any Future Shutdown
Learn More: 3 Ways to Protect Servicemembers and Veterans From the Next Shutdown
MOAA Resources: Download the issue paper (PDF)
Protect Veterans From ‘Claim Sharks’
The Bill: The Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act would restore criminal penalties for unregulated actors who solicit or receive fees to "help" veterans secure VA benefits. Dozens of companies are operating in this space without oversight, leaving veterans and their families vulnerable to aggressive marketing and costly overpayment for services they can secure for free from accredited providers.
Take Action: Ask Your Lawmakers to Stop Predatory Claims Agents.
Learn More: Why MOAA Backs the GUARD VA Benefits Act
MOAA Resources: Download the issue paper (PDF)
Improve Access to Care at Military Facilities
The Bill: The the Military Care, Access, Reporting and Evaluation (CARE) Act would require a standardized digital platform beneficiaries could use to submit and track access-to-care issues at military treatment facilities. It would also ensure such issues reached the proper patient advocates, and that the Defense Health Agency could access systemwide reports to address systemic issues.
Take Action: Ask Your Lawmakers to Help Fight MTF Access Problems
Learn More: Can You and Your Family Access the Health Care You’ve Earned? | A Look at the Military CARE Act
