A group of 13 House Democrats has highlighted the inadequacies of federal agencies in exempting military spouses from President Trump's return-to-office mandate. Despite guidance from the Office of Personnel Management exempting military spouses from this directive, concerns have been raised regarding the implementation of this guidance. Many military spouses have reported rescinded telework agreements and a lack of new agreement processing, which exacerbates their employment challenges. Lawmakers are urging federal agencies to adhere to the exemption to provide clarity and support to military families.
Despite the guidance to agencies, many military families have yet to receive clarity from their employing agency that they are able to continue working remotely or via telework.
Some military spouses report that their telework or remote work agreements that were in place prior to the January 20, 2025 directive have been rescinded.
Programs like the State Department's Domestic Employees Teleworking Overseas have had bipartisan support in Congress due in part to the fact that the unemployment rate for military spouses is five times the national average.
The lawmakers expressed that it is unclear if or when military spouses can expect to enter into new agreements that would allow them to continue teleworking.
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