(Photo: U.S. Air Force Airman Sadie Colbert)
Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at extending job counseling services to surviving spouses of fallen Service Members.
The proposed legislation, dubbed The Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act, seeks to broaden access to the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program, DVOP, a resource within the Labor Department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.
Under the current framework, DVOP offers career counseling services to Veterans facing barriers to employment. However, surviving spouses, who confront many challenges following the loss of their loved ones, have been excluded from accessing these resources. The senators’ bill aims to address this gap by providing surviving spouses with tailored career guidance and support.
The bipartisan bill is a commitment to addressing the needs of military families grappling with the aftermath of service-related tragedies. Previous research indicates surviving spouses often experience decreased incomes for an extended period following the death of their partners, attributed to obstacles such as psychological impacts and time constraints, which affect their ability to fully engage in the workforce.
“After the loss of a Service Member, we must do everything we can to support their families,” stated Senator Hassan, emphasizing the importance of support for these families.
Echoing this sentiment, Senator Cassidy pointed out the significance of honoring the sacrifices made by military families, asserting, “If we mean this, then a Gold Star spouse should be able to continue to access the services that they accessed when their husband or wife was alive.”
The proposed legislation comes at a time when policymakers are focused on reducing unemployment rates among military spouses. Efforts such as President Joe Biden’s executive order and provisions within recent defense policy bills have sought to enhance employment opportunities for spouses of Service Members. However, the challenges faced by surviving spouses have remained a pressing concern, prompting bipartisan action in the Senate.
While the bill does not stem from a specific report or data, Senator Hassan’s office noted that concerns raised by constituents have drawn attention to the need for legislative intervention. Expanding DVOP services to surviving spouses is anticipated to have minimal fiscal impact, as existing specialists within Labor Department are deemed capable of accommodating the increased demand. This aligns with efforts to efficiently allocate resources to support military families.
The bipartisan collaboration on The Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act reflects ongoing initiatives focused on supporting Service Members, Veterans, and their families. Senator Hassan’s legislative portfolio includes measures to improve military spouse hiring, improve healthcare access for Veterans exposed to toxic substances, and promote retirement security for Military Families.
As this bill progresses through the Senate, its proponents remain committed to ensuring that surviving spouses receive the necessary support to navigate their career paths and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of loss.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.