Kaine Statement on Military Spouse Appreciation Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and co-chair of the Senate Military Families Caucus, released the following statement on Military Spouse Appreciation Day:

“On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, I want to recognize military spouses’ immeasurable contributions in service to our nation. From prolonged periods away from their loved ones, frequent moves, and challenges finding employment, military spouses make tremendous sacrifices to help keep us safe. I’ll continue to do all I can to support them, including by pushing for passage of my Military Spouse Hiring Act.”

Kaine has long advocated for federal policies to support military spouses. Earlier this year, Kaine introduced the Military Spouse Hiring Act to address the unique employment barriers that military spouses face due to frequent moves. This legislation would expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to incentivize businesses to hire military spouses.

In 2018, Kaine introduced the Military Spouse Employment Act of 2018 to expand hiring and career opportunities, improve access to continuing education programs, help ensure military families can find affordable child care, and provide better transition and employment resources for military spouses. Key provisions from his bill were included in the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.

After hearing about poor housing conditions and meeting with servicemembers and their families in Virginia, Kaine successfully secured reforms in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act to improve military housing conditions.

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