PERFORMS and MIC3 Improvement Acts Included in FY2023 NDAA
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, announces inclusion of both the Providing Expanded Representation FOR Military families with Special Needs (PERFORMS) Act and the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) Improvement Act within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2023. Congressman Wilson introduced both these bills earlier this year.
The PERFORMS Act will improve transparency and functionality of the Department of Defense's (DoD) Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). The legislation expands the EFMP advisory board with the addition of key stakeholders, including representation by the Defense Health Agency. It also requires the advisory board to document and publish its official proceedings. The bill was developed in response to concerns from countless EFMP families and Government Accountability Office data indicating a need for refinements in the program.
The MIC3 Improvement Act will direct the DoD to work with states on improving existing programs that assist military families with educational tasks and associated decisions during military moves. These changes will ensure military children receive seamless educational opportunities when transferring between states.
"I'm grateful that I was able to include both important bills in this year's NDAA. Supporting military families by strengthening their ability to better care for their dependents in the areas of special needs and education is critical for their overall well-being and must be a priority. Partners in PROMISE has been an invaluable advisor in this process and their support is greatly appreciated," said Congressman Wilson.
"We applaud the inclusion of the PERFORMS Act and MIC3 Improvement Act in the 2023 NDAA," said Michelle Norman, Executive Director and founder of Partners in PROMISE. "Our data show that military families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) face multiple barriers as they navigate both the special education and military systems. These Acts will reduce barriers by improving key stakeholder participation in the EFMP policy decision process and strengthening support systems already in place to assist military children's timely access to education during PCS transitions. We thank Rep. Wilson for his hard work to elevate the voices of exceptional military families."