Congresswoman Randall Leads Effort to Demand Reinstatement of Remote Work and Telework Agreements for Eligible Military Spouses
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Emily Randall (WA-06), alongside Congress Members Gerald E. Connolly, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Jasmine Crockett, Vice Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Suhas Subramanyam, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, Chrissy Houlahan, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, House Armed Services Committee, and Congressman Eugene Vindman, sent a letterto Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Charles Ezell and Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding immediate action to ensure that all federal agencies reinstate or approve remote work and telework agreements for military spouses that were in place or in process prior to January 20, 2025.
“The chaos and confusion caused by these egregious decisions have real consequences for real people,” Congresswoman Randall said. “Over the last few weeks, we have received countless calls from military spouses who rely on this telework policy to provide for their families. Those calls inspired this letter because your voices matter. Our military families sacrifice a lot for our country – we must do whatever we can to protect their wellbeing.”
In the letter, the Members wrote:
“Military-connected families rely on telework and remote work opportunities for economic stability, which helps enable these families to continue serving our country. Given the urgent clarity needed for these families, we request that you immediately ensure that all federal agencies reinstate or approve remote work and telework agreements for military spouses that were in place or in process prior to January 20, 2025.”
There are over 2.6 million military families in the United States and over 90,000 people affiliated with the military who call Washington’s 6th District home. Many relocate frequently as servicemembers are reassigned to bases every few years. The transient nature of military life means that many military families struggle with underemployment or unemployment. In fact, military spouses experience an unemployment rate five times the national average.
The Members continued:
“The federal government has an obligation to ensure military families have equitable opportunities to build a future serving the American people through careers in the federal workforce.”
Read the full letter to OPM and the Department of State here.