Inhofe, Lankford, King, Sinema Introduce Bill to Help Military Spouses Maintain Permanent Employment

Press Release

During Military Appreciation Month, U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) introduced the Military Spouse Employment Act, which provides federal agencies clear authority to hire military spouses who already want to serve their country to fully remote positions. With a fully remote position, the military spouse can maintain federal employment if transferred anywhere.

"Military spouses bear a huge burden and sacrifice so much," Inhofe said. "Being a military family means frequent relocations, making long-term employment incredibly difficult. That's why, during Military Appreciation Month, I am glad to introduce the Military Spouse Employment Act alongside Sens. Lankford, King and Sinema. This bill would give federal agencies authority to employ military spouses remotely, wherever they may be. I know this would be beneficial for families at our five Oklahoma installations and around the country. This is commonsense legislation, and Congress should pass it quickly."

"The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that we are ready for almost anyone to work from almost anywhere, which gave us this opportunity to help military spouses find and keep a federal job while their spouse also serves our nation," said Lankford. "The relocation that comes with serving in our nation's Armed Forces has prevented our military spouses from seeking long-term employment--until now. Our bill would ensure federal agencies can take advantage of the talent, expertise, and quality work our military spouses are capable of through direct or remote federal work, regardless of whether their spouse serves our nation in Altus, Enid, Oklahoma City, Lawton, McAlester, or any of the other great installations around the country, where some federal agencies do not have local offices."

"America's military spouses make immense personal sacrifices to support their partners -- including, oftentimes, giving up their own careers," said King. "As our nation grapples with a worker shortage and increased connectivity enables remote work, the federal government should be taking every step possible to tap into this network of talented and patriotic Americans to fill vital public service jobs. Our legislation would help strengthen our nation's federal agencies and allow military spouses to maintain a fulfilling, good-paying job regardless of where their partner is stationed."

"Arizona's service members and their families make immense sacrifices to keep us safe and secure. Our bipartisan bill empowers military spouses to continue their careers in federal service, regardless if they are transferred to another part of the country alongside their spouse," said Sinema.

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