Why It Matters

The military community faces interconnected challenges demanding legislative solutions. Military compensation remains inadequate despite recent raises, healthcare access is constrained by staffing shortages, and combat-injured veterans face outdated offsets between retirement and disability pay. Military Officers Association of America’s (MOAA) fourth quarter 2025 lobbying reflects efforts to capitalize on Congressional momentum to advance long-stalled priorities like the Major Richard Star Act and military spouse employment protections.

By the Numbers

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) spent $446,040 on lobbying in the final quarter of 2025, continuing two decades of advocacy. The organization has filed 79 total disclosures since 2004, with cumulative spending exceeding $35.1 million. MOAA conducts all lobbying in-house, maintaining no external firm relationships.

Defense policy ranks as their top focus with 80 recorded instances, followed by veterans affairs with 79 instances, and tax policy affecting military benefits with 72 instances. Key recurring priorities include the Military Spouse Hiring Act, concurrent receipt reforms like H.R. 2102/S. 1032, and TRICARE enhancements.

The Agenda

MOAA’s fourth quarter 2025 lobbying focused on core military and veteran issues across defense policy, veterans affairs, and military-related taxation.

Key priorities include:

Broader Context

Congress is addressing military issues intersecting with MOAA’s priorities. The Pentagon accepted a $130 million private donation to help pay troops, signaling pay adequacy concerns, while 50 percent of military bases are in health professional shortage areas.

The Major Richard Star Act has bipartisan support but continues facing delays. Military spouse employment faced disruption from federal workforce policies before exemptions were negotiated.

The FY 2026 NDAA passed with bipartisan support, while Army recruitment hit 15-year highs, though specialized personnel retention remains challenging.

Between The Lines

The Senate Armed Services Committee held hearings on Military Health System stabilization, while the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee examined recruitment and retention.

Key legislation includes the ETS Act (H.R. 3387) for transition assistance and the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act.

Bipartisan momentum includes senators championing concurrent receipt and military family support packages addressing Medicaid portability and tax-free bonuses.

Competitive Landscape

MOAA operates within a coalition of military service organizations. The Fleet Reserve Association represents a significant peer, with both organizations supporting military spouse employment legislation like H.R. 2033/S. 1027 and retiree benefits including H.R. 2102/S. 1032. This alignment creates complementary pressure on Congress rather than competition.

The Bottom Line

MOAA’s $446,040 final quarter 2025 lobbying continues over two decades of advocacy on military compensation, healthcare, and veterans’ benefits. While the FY 2026 NDAA advanced priorities like a 3.8 percent pay raise and TRICARE pilots, challenges persist. The Major Richard Star Act faces delays despite bipartisan support, healthcare staffing shortages continue, and military spouse employment faces federal workforce policy uncertainties. MOAA’s advocacy alongside peer organizations like the Fleet Reserve Association amplifies pressure on shared legislative priorities.

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