[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 104 (Thursday, June 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  MILITARY SPOUSE CAREER EDUCATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                  HON. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN

                      of northern mariana islands

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2020

  Mr. SABLAN. Madam Speaker, today, I introduce the Military Spouse 
Career Education Act to help military spouses access the education they 
need to enter and excel in careers that require government-recognized 
credentials.
  My bill would help military spouses achieve their career goals by 
covering the costs of exams awarding college credit and continuing 
education units needed to maintain professional licenses and 
certifications.
  Military spouses participating in the My Career Advancement Account 
(MyCAA) Scholarship Program would be able to finish their degrees 
faster by earning credit through exams such as the College-Level 
Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests 
(DSST). CLEP and DSST award credit recognized by thousands of schools 
for a wide range of courses needed for degrees in health care, 
education, business, technology and other in-demand fields. Access to 
these alternatives to traditional classes provides spouses the ability 
to achieve their educational goals at their own pace while saving 
limited MyCAA funds for other expenses.
  Maintaining licenses and certifications would also be easier for 
MyCAA participants and spouses moving with their service member under 
permanent change of station orders. The Defense Department currently 
covers the cost of spouses' relicensing fees when relocating with their 
families. States and territories that do not recognize credentials from 
other jurisdictions may also require additional training. The Military 
Spouse Career Education Act reimburses spouses for the costs of 
continuing education units needed to keep their credentials and 
continue careers in their new place of residence.
  The gentleman from Indiana, Mr. Banks, is an original cosponsor of 
the bill. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

                          ____________________