A bipartisan bill introduced in the House and Senate would offer tax credits to employers who hire military spouses, as Stars and Stripes reported. The bill would include military spouses in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which incentivizes employers to hire veterans and others with unique employment challenges.

“Unfortunately, military spouses have a higher rate of unemployment and are often underemployed due to frequent relocations and service member deployments,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), who chairs the Ways and Means subcommittee on tax policy. “Our… legislation aims to help active-duty families get a leg up financially by encouraging local businesses to hire more military spouses in their communities. It’s a win-win for America.”

The Military Spouse Hiring Act is sponsored by Reps. Don Beyer (D-Va.), John Carter (R-Texas), Kelly and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), according to a joint statement. The Senate version is sponsored by Sens. John Boozman (R-Ark.), Maggie Hasssan (D-N.H.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).

Army photo by Sgt. Jose Escamilla