Congress Outlines Military Quality of Life Priorities in President’s Defense Budget

In a recent letter addressed to President Biden, leadership from the House Armed Services Committee called for POTUS’ 2025 budget proposal to include quality-of-life measures to improve military housing, junior enlisted pay, access to healthcare, childcare availability, and military spouse employment.

The Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) supports the inclusion of these focuses in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and commends lawmakers for urging the Administration to display a show of support through next year’s defense budget request.

MFAN data have consistently highlighted shortcomings in each of these areas. It has also shown the interconnectedness between these and other quality of life issues. Much like how warfighting tactics are reviewed and modernized periodically, so too must the support of the warfighter and their families. Stove-piped solutions will not fully address the complexities of these issues, and holistic solutions are what families need and are counting on from our leaders.

Through our research and peer network, MFAN remains committed to amplifying the needs of military-connected families and informing the work of leaders in Congress, the Pentagon, White House, and related agencies to achieve positive outcomes for service members, veterans, and their families.