Bipartisan legislation provides federal agencies with authority to easily hire and allow military spouses to work fully remotely
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Military Spouse Employment Act – bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema ensuring military spouses can continue their careers no matter where life takes them.
“One step closer to becoming law, our bipartisan bill empowers military spouses to continue succeeding in their careers no matter where life takes them,” said Sinema.
Military spouse unemployment is much higher than the national average. A recent survey found that spouse unemployment was the biggest stressor for the second year in a row for servicemembers and their partners.
Military spouses face unique challenges in finding and maintaining employment, including frequent relocation due to new orders and the high cost of childcare. Sinema’s legislation grants federal agencies the authority to hire military spouses for remote work and allow military spouses to retain their positions should they be transferred to another location, providing certainty that they can care for their families no matter where life takes them.
In April, Sinema held a roundtable discussion with military spouses at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to discuss solutions to the challenges they face finding, keeping, and growing in their careers.