Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Support Military Spouses' Careers

U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, announced that the Senate has unanimously passed his bipartisan legislation to help military spouses build successful careers while their family members serve the country. The Military Spouse Employment Act allows military spouses to have a remote work career with any federal agency, which would help them to maintain consistent employment while they move with their spouse. This legislation is a commonsense bill to help military spouses avoid tough choices between family and employment by creating remote, stable careers in the federal government.

Key Takeaways:

• The Military Spouse Employment Act allows military spouses to have a remote work career with any federal agency, enabling them to maintain employment despite frequent relocations.
• The legislation aims to address the issue of spousal unemployment among military families, with 43% of active duty families surveyed citing it as a concern.
• Military spouses face various challenges, including relocation due to new military orders (33%), and underemployment, which affects 63% of them.
• The bill has been cosponsored by Senators James Lankford, Kyrsten Sinema, and Deb Fischer, and now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
• Senator King has been a strong advocate for veterans and has introduced several bills, including the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2023, to address the concerns of military families.
• The legislation is a response to the sacrifices made by military families, including the decision to put aside careers or turn down opportunities to pursue the American dream.

Statistics:

• 43% of active duty families surveyed said spousal unemployment is an issue for them.
• 42% of military spouses reported they are not in the labor force and are looking for employment.
• 33% of spouses said they are unable to work because their family will relocate soon due to new military orders.
• 63% of military spouses experience underemployment.
• The Senate unanimously passed the Military Spouse Employment Act.

Sources:

• A recent survey (no specific date mentioned).
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