Bilirakis, Blumenthal, Sheehy, Panetta, & Moylan Introduce New Legislation to Strengthen Health & Safety Standards for Military Housing

Washington, DC: -Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and James Moylan (R-GU), alongside U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), today introduced the Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation to strengthen protections for military families living in privatized housing.  An estimated 700,000 servicemembers and their families are affected by hazardous conditions in military-provided housing, including prolonged mold exposure. These conditions are associated with increased risks of respiratory illness, neurological symptoms, developmental delays in children, and other serious health effects. The MOLD Act addresses these issues by establishing enforceable health and safety standards, mandating independent inspections, and requiring greater transparency in the reporting of habitability concerns such as water damage, humidity, and mold.

“Our servicemembers and their families should never have to choose between serving their country and living in safe, healthy homes,” said Representative Gus Bilirakis. “Military families at MacDill and across the country have faced unsafe housing conditions, including mold and other hazards, with far too little accountability. This legislation corrects those failures by setting enforceable standards, requiring independent inspections, and increasing transparency. It’s about accountability, dignity, and keeping our promise to military families-no one who serves our nation should be forced to worry about their family living in unhealthy conditions.”

“This measure will help ensure military families are protected from housing that endangers their health. They deserve the gold standard—nothing less,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “The MOLD Act requires strict health and safety standards, independent inspections, and financial accountability for contractors. This bipartisan, bicameral reform deserves swift passage so servicemembers and their families have a safe place to call home.”

“After volunteering to serve our great nation, America’s military deserves the best—from equipment on the battlefield to housing here at home,” said Senator Tim Sheehy. “As a veteran married to a veteran, it is an honor to serve our community in the Senate. I’m proud to lead this critical legislation to bring accountability to the process and ensure our men and women in uniform and their families have safe housing so they can focus on securing America’s future.”

“In their service, our military members and their families sacrifice a great deal. The last thing they should have to endure is substandard living conditions, including mold, in their military housing,” said Representative Jimmy Panetta. “The MOLD Act will help ensure privatized military housing meets required standards through frequent inspections, proper repairs and remediation, and improved response times by landlords. This legislation reinforces the principle that military readiness starts at home.”

“For too long, military families have been forced to live with mold, moisture, and unresolved health hazards in housing they were promised would be safe,” said Representative James Moylan. “The MOLD Act finally establishes enforceable standards, independent inspections, and real accountability for contractors who fail our servicemembers. Living in the Pacific region, where extreme weather and humidity are constant realities, I know these risks cannot be ignored. I’m proud to work with Congressman Panetta to ensure military families-whether in Guam or across the mainland-have strong protections, clear reporting tools, and a Department of Defense fully accountable to the people it serves.”

“For far too long, thousands of military families living in privatized military housing have suffered the consequences of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions,” said Senator Mazie Hirono. “From widespread mold to rodent infestations, these unacceptable environments have caused serious health concerns and forced families to shoulder repair costs. Ensuring safe, habitable housing is not only our responsibility-it is critical to military readiness and morale. I am proud to introduce the MOLD Act to hold housing contractors accountable and better protect our military families.”

The MOLD Act is endorsed by Change the Air Foundation, Blue Star Families, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Safe Military Housing Initiative, Military Housing Coalition, National Military Families Association, Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial Inspectors (NORMI).