The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) signed into law on November 11, 2009, was originally introduced by Congressman John Carter (Texas) during the 110th United States Congress. The MSRRA was written to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to include protection of military spouses, with regards to voting, property and taxes, and provide equitable treatment of military spouses.
Congressman Carter sponsored the bill after two military spouses, Army spouse Rebecca Noah Poynter and Navy spouse Joanna Williamson, approached him about residency concerns resulting from military moves and increasing deployments due to the War on Terrorism. Military spouses were required to become a resident of the state where they resided, in contrast to service members that could maintain a home state.
During the bill's life in the 110th Congress, H.R. 6070 had 72 co-sponsors.[1] It is believed that the bill could have passed during the 110th Congress but due to the housing crisis in 2008 it was quickly dismissed.
On February 25, 2009, of the 111th United States Congress, Congressman Carter reintroduced MSRRA; H.R. 1182.[2]
Senator Richard Burr introduced the companion bill, S. 475, to the Senate Committee of Veterans' Affairs on February 25, 2009.[3] Rebecca Poynter testified at the Senate Committee of Veterans' Affairs in April.[4] May 7, 2009 MSRRA passed a Senate floor vote.[5]
- ^ 110th Congress (2008) (May 15, 2008). "H.R. 6070". Legislation. GovTrack.us. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Congressman John Carter (Feb 25, 2009). "Carter Re-introduces Military Spouses Residency Relief Act in House". Carter.House.gov. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
- ^ Senator Daniel Akaka (July 15, 2009). "Military Spouses Residency Relief Act". GPO.gov. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
- ^ Rebecca Poynter (April 29, 2009). "Hearings: Pending Benefits-Related Legislation". U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
- ^ Senator Richard Burr (May 7, 2009). "Senator Richard Burr Introduces Resolution to Honor "Military Spouse Appreciation Day"". Burr.Senate.gov. Retrieved December 7, 2022.