— Joe Mersol, Legislative Affairs
December, 2025 – Joe Mersol, Legislative Affairs
As we close out 2025, your trusted legislative liaison (me) delivers one final SITREP—peppermint-flavored, lightly sarcastic, and factually accurate.
Thank you for the honor of serving in this role. Now… onto the intel.
1. Protecting Troops & Veterans From the Next Government ShutdownMOAA is pushing protections to ensure military pay and VA benefits do not get interrupted during future shutdown nonsense. Essential services must continue, and MOAA is keeping the pressure on Congress.
2. Off-Base Housing Still a Struggle
Rents around duty stations continue rising faster than morale on payday. BAH hasn’t kept pace, and families—especially junior enlisted—are carrying the load. MOAA is pushing for updated allowance calculations.
3. TRICARE Expands Coverage for Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Treatment
New treatments are being rolled out, and TRICARE is expanding access. A big step for retirees, caregivers, and families impacted by cognitive decline.
4. Bipartisan Bill Helps Veterans & Military Spouses Get Hired
A rare bipartisan Christmas miracle: new incentives to hire veterans and military spouses, with licensing improvements and employer credits.
5. PCS Support for Military Spouses
PCS moves shouldn’t destroy careers. A new House bill strengthens support for spouses during relocations, including employment protections and easier credentialing.
Final Call to Action
Let Congress hear from the people who actually know what’s going on: YOU.
Use MOAA’s advocacy portal:
Or simply scan:
Make Your Voice Heard
Please take a few moments to visit the MOAA web site and link to the ADVOCACY section, using the Legislative Action Center. This identifies all of the legislative issues and bills that MOAA supports that require your active involvement. Remember to contact your Congressional representatives (Senate and House) to express your concerns.
MOAA Legislative Update moaa.org/takeaction
or 1-800-234-6622 ext. 215.
