WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Republican Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25) and Democrat Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24) announced they are co-leading the bipartisan Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act, H.R. 2650. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. The bill would give military spouses with valid professional licenses in one state, reciprocity in another state where their spouse is stationed on military orders.
 
“I am proud to join Congressman Carbajal in this bipartisan effort to support our military families and remove this burdensome obstacle that many military families face,” said Rep. Garcia. “Our men and women in uniform and their families sacrifice greatly for this nation and deserve all of the support they can get. Our legislation will help military spouses maintain employment and have smoother transitions when moving on military orders.”
 
"The support and sacrifices of military spouses help keep our country safe. There is no reason they should have to choose between job security and being with their family when they’re reassigned to a new location," said Rep. Carbajal. "That's why I'm proud to support the bipartisan Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act to remove barriers to employment and ensure military spouses can more easily relocate with their family and continue to serve their country while providing for their family."
 
Currently, people with a professional license are required to acquire a new professional license when they move their practice across state lines. This bill would remove employment barriers and improve job security and stability, by giving military spouses with a valid professional license in one state, reciprocity in another state where their spouse is stationed on military orders. 
  
Garcia and Carbajal are both California veterans and members of the bipartisan For Country Caucus. Earlier this week, both Members participated in Operation Gratitude to support military servicemembers overseas.
 
Read the bill here.