Senator Reverend Warnock is introducing the Assuring Navigation of Compact Help for Ongoing Relocation (ANCHOR) for Military Families Act, bipartisan legislation that would ensure military families receive clear information about relocation resources when they receive orders to relocate

These include school enrollment procedures, housing assistance, spouse employment support, and special education services

Military families move every two to three years through the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) process; the average military child changes schools six to nine times between kindergarten and high school

There are approximately 24,000 servicemembers with children living in Georgia

Senator Warnock: “This bipartisan legislation will equip Georgia military families with the information and resources needed to make their required relocations as seamless as possible”

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced bipartisan legislation to directly support military families when they are ordered to relocate to a new base. The Assuring Navigation of Compact Help for Ongoing Relocation (ANCHOR) for Military Families Act (or ANCHOR for Military Families Act) would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to give military families clear, timely information about relocation resources when they receive orders to relocate. Similar legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and is being led by Congresswoman Emily Randall (D-WA-06) and Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-01). The legislation is also supported by several organizations, including Blue Star Families, Partners in Promise, Association of Secondary School Principals, and Secure Families Initiatives.

“This bipartisan legislation will equip Georgia military families with the information and resources needed to make their required relocations as seamless as possible,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.“Our servicemembers are the best among us, and it is paramount that our admiration for their service is reflected in our policies. These are polarizing times, but we should always be able to work together in a bipartisan way to support our troops and their families.”

“Our men and women in uniform make enormous sacrifices in service to our nation, including regular moves across the country and around the world to answer the call of duty,” said Senator Rounds. “We need to make these transitions between duty stations as easy as possible for our troops, many of them being young men and women with young children. Our legislation would require the Department of Defense to provide information on and access to these services in a proactive and organized manner to make sure they are aware of all of the benefits they have earned.”

Military families move every two to three years through the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) process and the average military child changes schools six to nine times between kindergarten and high school. Military families can face challenges when relocating across state lines, including school enrollment, credit transfers, and access to special education services. In a recent survey, approximately 76% of active-duty military families with children faced problems with their kids changing schools during a required move. 47% faced problems accessing special medical and/or educational services for their child. A military-connected student with existing individualized educational support faces an average delay of special education services of nearly six months following a move. In addition, about 29% of servicemembers cite the impact of military life on their children’s education as a primary reason for considering separation from service.

By requiring the DOD to give military families clear and timely information, the ANCHOR for Military Families Act would alleviate the burden put on servicemembers to find and utilize the information and resources needed for seamless transitions when required to relocate. Specifically, the legislation would:

• Give families relocation information in advance. The bill would require DOD to provide servicemembers and their families guidance at least 45 days before a required move, allowing time to plan for schools, housing, and other aspects of relocation.
  
• Ensure children’s education is supported during a move. The bill would require DOD to provide clear instructions on enrolling children in new schools, transferring credits, and maintaining academic continuity. 
  
• Provide guidance for children with special education needs. The bill would require DOD to provide families with information and resources connecting with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), which provides educational and support services for children with special education needs.
  
• Inform families about housing and relocation options. The bill would require DOD to ensure families have information about on-base housing, rental protections, and resources for off-base relocation.
  
• Support spouses and family financial planning. The bill would require DOD to provide guidance on spouse employment programs, financial planning, and community integration resources to help families adjust.
  
• Provide access to health, counseling, and legal resources. The bill would require DOD to provide information on mental health services, legal assistance, and financial counseling available during relocation.
  
• Deliver information in multiple, accessible ways. The bill would require DOD to provide guidance through in-person briefings, printed handouts, and online resources and develop a communication strategy to increase awareness of relocation resources.
  
• Track implementation and family satisfaction. The bill would require DOD to report annually to Congress for three years on implementation and how satisfied families are with the resources provided.

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