WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to expand access to job counseling services for Gold Star and surviving spouses. The Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act increases access to job counseling services through the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program to spouses of service members who died while serving in the military or of a service-connected disability. The program provides every state with funding to hire dedicated workforce specialists to provide individualized career counseling support with localized knowledge to eligible veterans, and this bipartisan bill expands access to these services to surviving spouses.
“Supporting military families is a commitment that we must honor, especially for those who have lost a loved one in service to our country,” said Senator Hassan. “Expanding access to job counseling services for Gold Star and surviving spouses is one meaningful way that we can honor their sacrifice and help them build stable futures. I’m grateful that the Senate unanimously passed this commonsense legislation, and I urge the House to join us in getting this across the finish line.”
“During the Civil War, President Lincoln said that we the living have the obligation ‘to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.’ The Gold Star Spouse bill fulfills this command in the modern world—that the surviving wife or husband would have access to career services to care for themselves and their family,” said Dr. Cassidy.
“I’m glad the Senate passed this bipartisan bill to stand behind the families of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Senator Kelly. “Surviving spouses deserve access to job counseling and employment services that help them get back on their feet after an unimaginable loss.”
“The spouses of the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country deserve the very best we have to offer. Expanding access to job counseling services will provide critical support to spouses navigating a devastating loss by helping them secure stable, good-paying jobs. I am proud to join Senator Hassan in this important legislation and am glad to see it pass the Senate and move one step closer to becoming law,” said Senator Schmitt.
“Gold Star families make sacrifices day in and day out for our country, and we owe them our support,” said Senator Kaine. “That includes assistance when it comes to accessing high-quality career counseling services. I’m proud the Senate passed bipartisan legislation I cosponsored to stand with surviving spouses and help ensure that type of support is within reach, just like it already is for many veterans.”
“When a member of our military makes the ultimate sacrifice, we must do everything we can to uplift their loved ones following such unimaginable loss,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation would ensure surviving military spouses have access to career services so they can find employment, renewed purpose, and the ability to provide for their families.”
“We have a solemn duty to look after the families of the men and women who gave their lives in service of our country,” said Senator Smith. “This bill is a simple way we can support surviving spouses as they figure out how to navigate their new normal and support their families financially.”
“Those who have worn the cloth of our nation and gave their last full measure of devotion deserve our utmost gratitude. So do the Gold Star families whose loved ones never came home from their service. This bill is a practical way to carry out that responsibility by ensuring surviving spouses have access to career counseling and job support as they care for their families and build their futures,” said Senator Lankford.
“Losing a spouse in military service is a devastating trauma with lifelong consequences,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “These families deserve all the support we can offer, including help finding a stable, good-paying job.”
This bipartisan bill is part of Senator Hassan’s ongoing work to support service members, veterans, and their families. Last year, she helped introduce the Military Spouse Hiring Act to help boost hiring of military spouses. Senator Hassan helped develop and pass into law the PACT Act, which fundamentally reforms and improves how veterans exposed to toxic substances receive health care and benefits from the VA. Senator Hassan also helped pass into law comprehensive, bipartisan retirement security legislation, including provisions she authored with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), to help military families save for retirement. Additionally, Senator Hassan introduced and passed into law the bipartisan Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act, which expanded parental leave eligibility for Reserve and National Guard members to cover all new parents.
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