WASHINGTON – Congressman Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Rob Wittman (R-Va.-01) today introduced the bipartisan Support Military Families Act to ensure that military spouses who work for the federal government can keep their jobs and support their servicemembers and families thereby keeping military families together and experienced staff on the job.
The bipartisan Support Military Families Act was introduced after Congressman Vindman’s and Congressman Wittman’s office heard directly from Virginians affected by the federal return-to-work mandate, which forces many military spouses to choose between their careers in public service and their families.
“As a 25-year Army veteran, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices military spouses make for our nation. I know that supporting military families is not a partisan issue, it is an American issue,” said Congressman Vindman. “A constituent reached out to our office because her husband is an active-duty service member and their family faces impossible options due to the return-to-office mandate: leave the military, commute 200-miles daily to DC, or leave her job of 18 years.”
Vindman continued, “No military family should have to make this choice. That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to guarantee that those serving our country in uniform can continue their mission, that our federal agencies retain experienced staff, and that military families remain together.”
Congressman Vindman introduced this legislation in partnership with Congressman Wittman, a strong advocate for military families.
“Our military families make great sacrifices in support of their loved ones in the Armed Forces — for which we are forever grateful for — and should not come at the expense of employability, financial stability, or personal fulfilment,” said Congressman Wittman. “A constituent in Yorktown contacted my office because – like many military families – her family relies on dual incomes. The ability to maintain consistent employment through military moves is essential for her family’s well-being, and remote work has made it possible for her to maintain her federal career despite the frequent relocations that come with military life. Supporting the careers of military spouses is patriotic and just plain common sense. I’m proud to join my fellow Virginia delegation colleague in introducing this bipartisan legislation, which will support our military families, and in turn, strengthen our national security.”
“This legislation will protect military families from further financial instability by ensuring that those who also serve as federal employees can continue to do so while supporting their servicemembers,” said Maria Donnelly, active-duty Army spouse and MOAA Currently Serving Spouse Advisory Council member.
Congressman Vindman, a 25-year Army veteran and member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, represents thousands of federal workers and service members in Congress. A strong advocate for military families, national security, and federal workforce policy, he is committed to delivering for those who serve our country. This is his first bill as a Member of Congress, underscoring his dedication to these priorities.
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