Murkowski and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Military Families

Statement

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) as an original cosponsor of the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act, legislation that would give military spouses with valid professional licenses in one state, reciprocity in the state where their spouse is currently serving on military orders.

"Military families consistently rate Utah as a top destination to serve, and a big reason why is the work our state has done to make sure professional military spouses licensed in one state can also work in Utah. The American people absolutely depend on the brave men and women of our nation's Armed Services, and the families of those brave men and women deserve all the support we can give them," said Senator Lee. "This bill helps do that by making it easier for military spouses to work when they have to transition to a new duty station."

"While we prioritize supporting our military, we must ensure we are supporting their families as well. This legislation underscores the importance of reducing obstacles that prevent spouses of service members from using their occupational licenses when moving across states lines for a Permanent Change of Station. Not allowing them to use their license is a disservice to members of our military, their families, and the communities they live in," said Senator Murkowski. "This topic has arisen many times from Alaska-based service members, and is an issue leaders within the Alaska military and at the VA are both hoping to address. This commonsense bill will not only employ spouses of service members, it will also save families time and money, including providing much-needed workers in communities across Alaska and the nation."

Additional Senators cosponsoring the bill include: Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Martha McSally (R-AZ), John Boozman (R-AR), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), James Risch (R-ID), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Braun (R-IN), Mitt Romney (R-UT), John Cornyn (R-TX), John Thune (R-SD), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

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