Representatives Randall, Wittman Introduce Bipartisan ANCHOR for Military Families Act

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Representatives Emily Randall (WA-06) and Rob Wittman (VA-01) introduced the bipartisan Assuring Navigation of Compact Help For Ongoing Relocation (ANCHOR) for Military Families Act, a bill that 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. 

“We have a responsibility to support our military families through every phase of their service, including relocation,” said Representative Randall. “In the Washington State Senate, I championed policies that helped servicemembers connect with essential resources. The 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.”

“Military families already shoulder so much in service to our nation—including the strain of frequent moves,” said Congressman Wittman. “The ANCHOR Act is a commonsense, bipartisan solution to help ease those transitions by ensuring families have timely access to school enrollment information, credit transfer support, and key relocation services. I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Randall on this effort to strengthen educational continuity and improve quality of life for those who serve and their families.”

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.”

“We often say that military families don’t know what they don’t know. This is especially true for families with special needs navigating a PCS transition,” said Michelle Norman, Executive Director and Founder, Partners in PROMISE. “Our research shows that students enrolled in special education often face gaps of over four months without appropriate educational services after a move. The ANCHOR for Military Families Act ensures that military families are informed before the transition begins, empowering them with knowledge of the available supports and services. This bill is a critical step toward ensuring military children with disabilities receive timely access to an education, preserving their ability to graduate with a standard high school diploma.” 

"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.”

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