Trump promotes federal government hiring of military spouses

President Donald Trump holds up an executive order he signed as he is surrounded by first lady Melania Trump, second from right, Karen Pence, right, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, third from left, Ivanka Trump, fourth from left, and others during a celebration of military mothers and spouses event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, May 9, 2018. The executive order addressed military spouse unemployment by providing greater opportunity for military spouses to be considered for federal competitive service positions, and holding agencies accountable for increasing their use of the non-competitive hiring authority for military spouses.  (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
President Donald Trump holds up an executive order he signed as he is surrounded by first lady Melania Trump, second from right, Karen Pence, right, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, third from left, Ivanka Trump, fourth from left, and others during a celebration of military mothers and spouses event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, May 9, 2018. The executive order addressed military spouse unemployment by providing greater opportunity for military spouses to be considered for federal competitive service positions, and holding agencies accountable for increasing their use of the non-competitive hiring authority for military spouses. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday to promote the hiring of military spouses by the federal government.

Trump signed the order at a Mother's Day event at the White House that recognized the contributions of military mothers and spouses. Trump said military spouses too often don't get the recognition they deserve for enduring long separations during deployments, multiple family relocations and keeping their households running and the family's spirit high.

The president said America owes them a debt of gratitude that can't ever be fully repaid.

photo President Donald Trump, joined by Counselor to President Donald Trump Kellyanne Conway, Ivanka Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Karen Pence and others, holds up an executive order he just signed in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, May 9, 2018, during an event celebrating military mothers and spouses. The executive order addresses military spouse unemployment by providing greater opportunity for military spouses to be considered for federal competitive service positions, and holds agencies accountable for increasing their use of the non-competitive hiring authority for military spouses. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

"We know what you do, and your spouse knows what you do," said Trump, joined by his wife, Melania. "We can never repay you for that, but we can and we will give you the opportunities you deserve."

The order requires federal agencies to promote "to the greatest extent possible" the use of noncompetitive hiring authority that exists for military spouses, meaning they don't have to compete for certain jobs. It directs the federal personnel office to educate agencies on the use of their noncompetitive hiring authority, and to raise awareness among military spouses.

Agencies also are asked to recommend ways to improve "license portability" so that spouses in professions that require licensing don't have to get new credentials when they move from state to state.

A report released Wednesday by the president's Council of Economic Advisers said military spouses also suffer financial disadvantages because of their frequent moves and other sacrifices. They earn at least $12,000 a year less than other workers as a results, which adds up to estimated losses of nearly $190,000 over a 20-year military career, the report said.

The first lady, who introduced the president and is the mother of their 12-year old son, Barron, showed off a humorous side.

"Mother's Day, which is this Sunday, is celebrated just one time a year. I don't know about all of you, but I think mothers should be celebrated each and every day," she said, prompting applause from audience members, many of whom wore military uniforms.

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