Washington, D.C.– Today the House passed the bi-partisan Military Officers Association Federal Charter Act, which will grant a federal charter to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) and Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) brought the legislation to the floor today, and it passed with unanimous consent. The bill, S. 832, has already passed the Senate by unanimous consent.

As the largest professional association for military officers and the fourth largest veterans group in the nation, MOAA has a distinguished 80 year history of service to the military community. Until now, MOAA was the only major veterans organization in the country without a federal charter. This legislation finally rectifies this oversight.

“After many years, MOAA is finally getting the acknowledgement that it deserves with a Federal Charter. MOAA has been a longstanding leader in service and has made considerable contributions to the public. Granting a Federal Charter is the right thing to do and I am pleased that Rep. Van Hollen and I were able to work together on this bipartisan effort,” said Jones.

“With today’s passage, Congress will send a bill to President Obama’s desk that is 15 years in the making. In granting MOAA a Federal Charter, we will finally give recognition to a group that works tirelessly to serve our armed forces, the National Guard, the reserves, and our veterans.” said Van Hollen. “This legislation had true bipartisan support, and I am proud to have joined Rep. Jones in working on this important bill.”

“This is an historic day in the 80 year history of The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). MOAA was founded to support a strong national defense and to protect the earned benefits of those who have worn the uniform of our great country – active duty, National Guard and Reserves, military retirees, survivors, veterans and their family members. On behalf of our Chairman, General Butch Neal, USMC (Ret.), our Board of Directors and professional staff, and most especially our 370,000 members, we are deeply grateful for the public recognition that a Charter provides. On their behalf I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) and Senators Bill Nelson (D-FL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Bob Corker (R-TN) for leading the strong bi-partisan effort on the MOAA Federal Charter bill,” added MOAA President VAdm. Norb Ryan, Jr., USN-Ret.

A federal charter does not confer any specific rights or benefits, but it does provide public recognition to membership organizations that serve the public interest. A charter also will enable some state-level MOAA affiliates to represent veterans on Governor-level veterans advisory councils from which they are presently excluded.