Nye seeks answers on MyCAA program

WASHINGTON (WAVY) - Virginia Second District Congressman Glenn Nye is asking the Department of Defense to explain their suspension of the popular Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program.

MyCAA, which offers military wives and husbands up to $6,000 to pay for career training, certifications, and degree programs, was suspended on Feb. 16th. At the time, officials said they wanted to conduct a "top-to-bottom" review of the program's services.

While promising to conduct the review as quickly as possible, officials have not indicated a date when the program will resume.

In a letter sent to Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday, asks for specicifs as to why the program was closed, when it will reopen, and what steps are being taken to help spouses who were counting on the funds.

"When our men and women go overseas to fight for our country, they depend upon us to look out for their families. Our troops must have absolute confidence that the benefits and support we offer our military families will be there no matter what," said Nye in a statement. "If there were big enough problems with this program to shut it down without warning, then that information should be made public, so that the seriousness of our commitment to military families is not called into question."

Since the MyCAA program began in March 2009, nearly 133,000 military spouses have applied for financial assistance. Of those, 98,000 have been approved for funding, and those funds will continue uninterrupted. However, during the review, applications on file will not be processed, and new applications will not be accepted.

Click here to see a copy of Rep. Nye's letter to the Department of Defense.