Advocacy
Legislative Action Center
Fighting for Pennsylvania Guard members, veterans, and families in Harrisburg and Washington.
Our Top Priorities
These are the featured legislative priorities PNGAS is actively pursuing in Washington D.C. and Harrisburg this session. See all legislative priorities →
No Tax on Military Pay
H.R. 6189 and its Senate companion S. 3246, the Service Members Tax Relief Act, would eliminate federal income tax on military pay for active duty and reserve component service members, including drill pay, annual training pay, ADSW and ADOS pay, bonuses, and special and incentive pays.
No Tax on Military Retirement Pay
H.R. 6190 and its Senate companion S. 1108, the Tax Cuts for Veterans Act of 2025, would eliminate federal income tax on military retirement pay and related benefits, including disability retirement pay, survivor benefits, and Combat-Related Special Compensation.
DMVA Budget Increase for Keystone Challenge Academy
Request for an additional $250,000 to fund the Keystone State Challenge Academy as part of the 2026/2027 Commonwealth budget.
Expanding the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Abatement Program
HB 1257 would exempt veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled (or compensated at that level) by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from paying property taxes, with a local option for partial exemptions at lower disability ratings. The exemption extends to certain unmarried surviving spouses, including those of eligible veterans and service members who died in the line of duty, are prisoners of war, or are missing in action.
Personal Health Investment Tax Credit
SB 655 allows eligible Pennsylvania National Guard members and other service members to receive a tax credit for qualified physical fitness expenses, encouraging personal readiness and health. The bill amends the Pennsylvania Tax Reform Code to establish this new tax incentive.
View All Priorities
Browse the full list of federal and state priorities for this session.
Make Your Voice Heard
Your representatives need to hear from you. Find your legislators and let them know you support these priorities for our Guard members, veterans, and families.
Take ActionHow a Bill Becomes Law
Understanding the legislative process is key to effective advocacy. Here's how legislation moves from an idea to enforceable law at the federal and state levels.
How a Federal Bill Becomes Law
Based on Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution
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Bill is Introduced
Any member of Congress can sponsor or co-sponsor a bill. House bills start with H.R. and Senate bills with S. The bill is assigned a number and referred to committee.
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Committee Review
The bill goes to the relevant committee for hearings, debate, and possible amendments. Most bills die here. If approved, the committee reports the bill out for floor action.
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Floor Debate & Vote
If the committee approves, the bill reaches the full chamber for debate and vote. The House needs a simple majority (218 votes). The Senate may need 60 votes to end a filibuster (cloture).
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Other Chamber
The bill passes one chamber and goes to the other for the same process. If the versions differ, a Conference Committee reconciles them into one version both chambers must approve.
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Final Passage
The identical bill must pass both the House and Senate. Once both chambers approve the same text, the enrolled bill is sent to the President.
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President's Action
The President can sign the bill into law, veto it (Congress can override with a 2/3 vote in both chambers), or take no action. If Congress is in session and the President does nothing for 10 days, it becomes law. A pocket veto occurs if Congress adjourns within 10 days.
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The Law
Once signed, the bill is published in the Federal Register and codified in the U.S. Code. It is now enforceable. Over 10,000 bills are introduced each Congress; only about 3-5% become law.