Military and Veterans Spouses - Expanding Fed Employment Opportunities

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As a military spouse, I deeply understand the challenges faced by families who serve. Frequent relocations, employment gaps, and bias in hiring practices often make it difficult for military spouses to secure stable and meaningful employment. In my role as your representative for Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, I will champion policies that expand federal government employment opportunities for military spouses, recognizing their resilience, adaptability, and the unique skills they bring to the workforce.

Problem Statement:
Military spouses face an unemployment rate of around 22%, significantly higher than the national average. Employment gaps, frequent relocations, and biases due to perceived instability hinder their ability to compete in the job market. Federal employment—often portable and flexible—offers an ideal solution, yet military spouses face barriers in accessing these roles due to lack of prioritization, awareness, and streamlined processes 

Policy Objectives:

• Expand Hiring Preferences for Military Spouses:
  • Strengthen the Military Spouse Preference (MSP) program by:
  • Increasing awareness among hiring managers.
  • Mandating mandatory consideration for qualified spouses when filling federal roles.
• Create Portable Federal Employment Options:
  • Introduce legislation encouraging telework-friendly positions within federal agencies to accommodate military families’ frequent relocations.
• Establish Specialized Federal Employment Pathways:
  • Develop dedicated programs for military spouses to transition into federal government roles, emphasizing training, mentorship, and expedited hiring processes.
• Address Employment Gaps in Federal Applications:
  • Revise OPM hiring practices to mitigate the impact of employment gaps due to PCS moves, caregiving responsibilities, or deployments, ensuring spouses are evaluated fairly.
• Incentivize Agency Participation:
  • Offer agencies additional funding and recognition for meeting hiring goals for military spouses under existing hiring authorities such as the Non-Competitive Appointment of Military Spouses.

My Commitment as a Military Spouse:   

As a civilian military spouse, I’ve experienced firsthand the hurdles of maintaining a professional career while supporting a loved one in uniform. Relocations, deployments, and the need for flexible employment have been constant challenges. Despite these barriers, I have built a successful career, often by seeking out roles below my skill level. This lived experience has shaped my resolve to fight for policies that create opportunities for others like me.

I am committed to ensuring that military spouses no longer have to choose between supporting their families and pursuing fulfilling careers. By investing in their potential, we honor their sacrifices and strengthen our military and veterans families, our communities, and our nation as a whole.