The new memo clarifies a footnote in a Jan. 27 Office of Management and Budget announcement that said agencies should "exclude military spouses working remotely based on the Military Spouse Employment Act.

Military spouses employed by the federal government are "categorically exempt" from the Trump administration's return-to-office mandate.

Military families sought exemption from the directive as the blunt exercise of power proved uniquely disruptive for federal workers married to service members.

Presidential order coupled with deferred-resignation offer and hiring freeze created a perfect storm of stress.

The bill would spare military spouses who work for the federal government from going back to in-person work as ordered by President Donald Trump on the day of his inauguration.