There’s been no shortage of political news in recent days, but the vast majority of coverage has steered clear of the lawmaking process – a process which will, for better or worse, set the course of service-earned benefits, fair pay for those in uniform, and a host of other MOAA priorities, regardless of the latest headlines.

Here’s a look at some key dates as the congressional calendar moves forward. Remember: The best way to ensure you can make your voice heard in Washington is to register with MOAA’s Legislative Action Center, where you’ll find pre-written messages about top MOAA issues to send to your legislators, contact information to reach out to lawmakers’ offices, and a recap of MOAA’s key areas of concern for this election year.

• Aug. 1: The last day both the House and Senate were to be in session before leaving for a five-week recess, though the House now plans to conclude its business earlier. In the coming days, MOAA will make additional resources available to members seeking to reach out to their lawmakers during this break, which many House and Senate members will use to connect with constituents.
  
  
• Sept. 9: Both the House and Senate return to work for a three-week stint. This period represents the last chance for Congress to pass a budget before the end of the fiscal year – a key duty of lawmakers, one that they’ve failed to accomplish (with rare exceptions) for several decades.
  
  
• Sept. 27: The end of the three-week working period. Both chambers will adjourn until after the election.
  
  
• Sept. 30: The end of the current fiscal year.
  
  
• Nov. 5: Election Day.
  
  
• Nov. 12: Both the House and Senate return for a “lame-duck” session. Despite the name, this session may prove critical to the advancement of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), must-pass legislation which contains many key MOAA priorities. After the 2022 midterm elections, for instance, that year’s NDAA saw dozens of legislative actions during the lame-duck session, eventually moving to the president’s desk and becoming law before year’s end.
  
  
• Nov. 21: The last day both chambers are in session prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.
  
  
• Dec. 2: The Senate begins its three-week, year-end session; the House starts the following day.
  
  
• Jan. 3, 2025: Start of the 119th Congress.

[RELATED: Meet MOAA’s New Advocacy Chief]

During the legislative period outlined above, lawmakers will consider not only the NDAA, but the 12 appropriations bills needed to keep the federal government funded, along with a host of other legislative priorities, to include key omnibus veterans benefits legislation. As MOAA’s advocacy team continues its work on the Hill, your grassroots advocacy during this period will help send our message to key lawmakers, many of whom will be paying special attention during their reelection campaigns.

Keep up with opportunities to make your voice heard at MOAA’s Advocacy News page.