Randall, Wittman Pass Bipartisan ANCHOR for Military Families Act in House NDAA

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2026 by a vote of 312-112. The bipartisan ANCHOR for Military Families Act, introduced by U.S. Representatives Emily Randall (D, WA-06) and Rob Wittman (R, VA-01) was included in the final NDAA package.

"We have a responsibility to support our military families through every phase of their service, including relocation. In the Washington State Senate, I championed policies that helped servicemembers connect with essential resources. The bipartisan ANCHOR for Military Families Act builds on that model, offering vital relocation support to states across the country to ensure military families have timely access to the tools they need for a smooth transition. I am grateful to Rep. Wittman for being a partner in this effort."

"Our military families deserve the best, and the ANCHOR Act will help ease many of the burdens that come with frequent relocation," said Rep. Wittman. "The ANCHOR Act ensures that military families have access to key information regarding relocation resources, educational rights, school enrollment support, housing assistance, and more - making those transitions easier. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to support our nation's military families."

The Assuring Navigation of Compact Help for Ongoing Relocation (ANCHOR) for Military Families Act will ensure military families are informed of their educational rights, school enrollment support, and other key relocation resources-such as housing assistance, spouse employment support, and services through the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)-under the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves.

The ANCHOR for Military Families Act would:

• Require DoD to provide timely and accessible relocation information to service members and their families at least 45 days prior to a PCS move;
• Add MIC3-related education support to statutorily required relocation services;
• Provide legal and financial counseling;
• Ensure the provision of mental health and well-being services; and
• Require DoD to provide annual briefings to Congress for three years to track implementation and satisfaction.

The ANCHOR for Military Families Act has been endorsed by Blue Star Families, Partners in PROMISE, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, Secure Families Initiatives, and the Association of Washington School Principals.

"The ANCHOR for Military Families Act is a critical step forward. School transitions can be one of the most challenging aspects of military life, and this provision empowers families with the knowledge they need to advocate for their children's education," said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. "Blue Star Families applauds Congresswoman Emily Randall for this effort to bring greater clarity and support to those who serve."

"PCS transitions often interrupt critical special education services for military children," said Michelle Norman, Executive Director and Founder of Partners in PROMISE. "We are grateful to Representative Randall, Representative Wittman, and the Senate sponsors for championing the ANCHOR Act, which will help address these gaps by requiring that military families receive key PCS and special education information before a move begins. Because the statute is broad, implementation must meaningfully include military families with lived experience, data-driven partners, and targeted, measurable outcomes. We look forward to working alongside the Department to ensure the final process delivers what Congress intended."

"Secure Families Initiative is proud to support the ANCHOR Act," said Brandi Jones M.Ed., Organizing Director and Founder of the PCS Safety Campaign at Secure Families Initiative. "Military service members and their families are our nation's most valued resource, bravely embracing a transient lifestyle in service to our country. This legislation ensures they receive clear, timely information during PCS briefings and through the Relocation Assistance Program, helping families navigate school transitions with confidence. We believe military families deserve a plain-language briefing before reporting - keeping children safe and families informed."

"The Association of Washington School Principals supports the ANCHOR for Military Families Act. This bill would ensure that members of the armed forces and their families would be provided more detailed information related to education, including school transition assistance and special education services. As a state with one of the largest active-duty populations, many of our schools are accustomed to supporting military families and their children and we support a more coordinated process across our country. By prioritizing school transitions alongside housing and healthcare, the ANCHOR for Military Families Act empowers families and schools to work together more effectively, minimizing disruptions and promoting student success," said the Association of Washington School Principals.

The one-pager on the bill can be found here. The full bill text can be found here.