Reps. McDonald Rivet, Harrigan Introduce Bill to Give Service Members Housing Literacy Counseling
WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) and Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) introduced the bipartisan Military Financial Literacy Act. This bill would help service members access credentialed, personalized financial and housing counseling through the Department of Defense (DoD).
“Our troops and their families make huge sacrifices to keep us safe. When they return, we need to do everything possible to help them thrive, which includes making it as easy as possible to find and buy a home,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “The Military Financial Literacy Act is a commonsense step to ensure service members who want it get expert, personalized counseling on how to best find the right home for their families to build a life.”
“Service members are constantly on the move, dealing with VA benefits, new housing markets, and unfortunately, lenders who see them as easy targets. A quick briefing just doesn't cut it,” said Congressman Harrigan. “This bill gets them in front of a real expert, one on one, who can walk them through their credit, their budget, their VA home loan options, and their legal rights as a service member. I'm proud to co-lead this because these men and women have enough to worry about defending this country. Their financial future shouldn't be one of them.”
Currently, the DoD is not required to provide service members with housing literacy training. The Military Financial Literacy Act would require DoD to partner with counseling organizations to provide personalized guidance to service members on topics including budgeting, predatory lending, housing decisions related to Permanent Change of Station orders, and home loans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Military Financial Literacy Act is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA).
“The VFW is proud to support the Military Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2026, which recognizes that financial readiness, particularly in housing, is a critical component of overall military readiness and long-term veteran success. Service members and their families face complex financial decisions throughout their careers, from navigating housing options during frequent moves to preparing for transition,” said Joy Craig, VFW National Legislative Service Associate Director. “Strengthening individualized financial education and counseling focused on housing and ensuring consistent, practical training across the force would help build stability, reduce stress, and improve outcomes both in and out of uniform. The VFW appreciates Representative McDonald Rivet’s leadership on this important issue and looks forward to working together to support those who serve.”
“Financial readiness is a shared responsibility, and this legislation delivers a mission-focused solution that supports servicemembers at every stage of their journey,” said Son Nguyen, VAREP Founder and President. “The Military Financial Literacy Act strengthens both individual stability and overall force readiness. We thank Congresswoman McDonald Rivet and Congressman Harrigan for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to those who serve.”
“Vietnam Veterans of America strongly supports the Military Financial Literacy Accountability Act,” said James L. McCormick II, Executive Director of VVA. “Financial readiness is mission readiness, and this bill ensures our service members have the knowledge and tools to succeed—both in uniform and in transition. It’s a common-sense step to protect military families and strengthen the force.”