(a) Tuition Assistance.—The Commandant may provide, subject to the availability of appropriations, tuition assistance to an eligible spouse to facilitate the acquisition of—

(1) education and training required for a degree or credential at an accredited college, university, or technical school in the United States that expands employment and portable career opportunities for the spouse; or

(2) education prerequisites and a professional license or credential required, by a government or government-sanctioned licensing body, for an occupation that expands employment and portable career opportunities for the spouse.

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(b) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) Eligible spouse.—

(A) In general.—The term “eligible spouse” means the spouse of a member of the Coast Guard who is serving on active duty and includes a spouse who receives transitional compensation under section 1059 of title 10.

(B) Exclusion.—The term “eligible spouse” does not include an individual who—

(i) is married to, but legally separated from, a member of the Coast Guard under a court order or statute of any State or territorial possession of the United States; or

(ii) is eligible for tuition assistance as a member of the Armed Forces.

(2) Portable career.—The term “portable career” includes an occupation that requires education, training, or both that results in a credential that is recognized by an industry, profession, or specific type of business.