Congressman Gabe Evans of Colorado and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas of Oregon have introduced the PCS Leave for Military Spouse Federal Workers Act. This bipartisan bill would require federal agencies to provide at least five days of administrative leave to federal employees who are military spouses relocating with their active-duty partners.
Rep. Gabe Evans, a veteran himself, stated, “As a veteran who has received Permanent Change of Station orders multiple times, I know firsthand the sacrifice that military spouses like my wife make to support their partners. I’m proud to co-lead the PCS Leave for Military Spouse Federal Workers Act which codifies the Office of Personnel Management’s guidance and ensures that servicemembers’ husbands and wives working at a federal agency receive at least five days administrative leave when given PCS orders.”
Rep. Andrea Salinas added, “When a servicemember gets orders to relocate, their spouse should not have to exhaust their personal time off or forgo pay just to move. Our bill ensures that military spouses employed by the federal government have the paid leave they need to relocate with the dignity, stability, and support they deserve. This assistance allows families to manage the practical realities of relocating — like enrolling their children in new schools, finding childcare, and setting up a new home — without added strain.”
Shannon Razsadin, CEO of Military Family Advisory Network, said, “Our 2023 national survey shows that active-duty spouses who are employed full time are more likely to report excellent family well-being, yet too many lose income or employment stability when the military requires a move. Ensuring a window of administrative leave is a meaningful way to support military spouses, strengthen financial stability, and recognize the essential role that military families play in the readiness of our all-volunteer force.”
Kathy Roth-Douquet from Blue Star Families commented on the policy’s benefits: “Supporting military families means recognizing the unique challenges that come with frequent relocations. Providing 40 hours of administrative leave for federal employees who are military spouses during a PCS move is not just a thoughtful accommodation — it’s a smart policy. It helps retain talented individuals, reduces job instability, and makes military service more sustainable for whole families.”
Military families typically relocate every two-and-a-half years. These moves often create significant challenges for spouses—such as finding child care or enrolling children in new schools—which can be especially difficult if employers do not offer paid leave during these transitions.
To address high unemployment rates among military spouses, there is already an existing Military Spouse Preference Program giving hiring preference for federal jobs. However, there is currently no requirement for paid leave when these employees must move due to their spouse’s transfer orders; some must use vacation time or take unpaid leave.
In late 2023, the Office of Personnel Management issued guidance recommending but not mandating up to five days of administrative leave for affected employees.
The text of the proposed legislation can be found here.