EANGUS October 2026 Drill Talking Points (published 10-2-26)
New Call to Action: Reserve Retirement Fairness Act
EANGUS has launched a new 
Call to Action supporting the Reserve Retirement Fairness Act (H.R. 10155).
Under current law, qualifying active-duty service can reduce the age at which a Reserve Component member begins receiving retirement pay below age 60. However, that credit generally only applies when the qualifying service occurs after the service member has joined the Guard or Reserve. A veteran could therefore complete several years of qualifying active-duty service, transition into the National Guard, and receive no early-retirement credit for that previous service. Another Guardsman performing identical qualifying service after joining the Guard could receive the credit.
Under current law, qualifying active-duty service can reduce the age at which a Reserve Component member begins receiving retirement pay below age 60. However, that credit generally only applies when the qualifying service occurs after the service member has joined the Guard or Reserve. A veteran could therefore complete several years of qualifying active-duty service, transition into the National Guard, and receive no early-retirement credit for that previous service. Another Guardsman performing identical qualifying service after joining the Guard could receive the credit.
Major Richard Star Act Reaches 218 Signatures
After months of advocacy, the Major Richard Star Act discharge petition has reached 218 signatures, clearing the threshold needed to move toward House consideration. The petition is now placed on the House calendar and must remain there for seven legislative days before a signer can call up the discharge motion. With the House in recess, that process is expected to resume when members return in November.
There remain two competing vehicles for advancing MRSA. The discharge petition creates a path for the clean Major Richard Star Act, while the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA) also contains MRSA as part of a much larger veterans package.
EANGUS has updated its Call to Action to reflect this new phase. After years of Congress members publicly expressing support for MRSA, the focus is now on converting that support into votes. Whichever vehicle ultimately advances, strong House support will also be important as advocates work to move the legislation through the Senate.
NDAA and Government Funding
Congress has enacted a continuing resolution funding the federal government through December 11, 2026, providing additional time to complete FY27 appropriations and avoiding another immediate government shutdown.
When Congress returns following the midterm elections, EANGUS will continue pushing for stable government funding while also working to complete the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act.
Several Guard priorities remain part of the NDAA discussions:
- Reserve Component Dental Readiness: Expanding access to dental care for junior enlisted Reserve Component members. Dental readiness directly affects whether Guard and Reserve members are medically ready to mobilize and perform active-duty missions without delay.
- National Guard Relief Foundation Recognition: The House language explicitly recognizes NGRF as an official military relief society under Title 10. Senate language also supports establishing an official National Guard relief society, but the two versions are not fully aligned.
- GI Bill Eligibility Expansion: Expanding which Reserve duty periods count toward Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility, addressing situations where Guard and Reserve members perform qualifying service without receiving corresponding education credit.
EANGUS and our partners will continue working with lawmakers as the House and Senate reconcile their bills to ensure the final language properly addresses the needs of the Guard.
Expanding Toxic Exposure Recognition
EANGUS has also endorsed the bipartisan Susan E. Lukas 9/11 Servicemember Fairness Act (H.R. 5339). The legislation would establish presumptive service connection for certain illnesses affecting service members who reported for duty at the Pentagon following the September 11 attacks and were exposed to hazardous substances during the response and recovery period. The bill has already advanced out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.