McClain Delaney, Duckworth, Moylan Introduce Legislation to Expand Leave Benefits for Military Families

McClain Delaney, Duckworth, Moylan Introduce Legislation to Expand Leave Benefits for Military Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06) and James Moylan (R-GU-AL) alongside combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced legislation to modernize the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)in order to help ensure that military caregiver benefits are available to more people who selflessly care for their servicemember or Veteran family member in medical need. The Making it Likely for Families of the Military to Live with Leave Access (MIL FMLA) Act would expand FMLAleave benefits for military family members who aren't currently covered under the FMLA.

In Maryland, it is estimated that more than 150,000 military and veteran caregivers are in need of support. And, according to AARP, Maryland caregivers of Veterans spend 1.5 times more on out-of-pocket costs compared to other family caregivers ($11,500 vs. $7,242).

"Over 14 million Americans care for injured servicemembers and veterans, yet current law leaves too many behind," said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. "The bipartisan MIL FMLA Act, which I'm proud to lead with Congressman Moylan, ensures all military caregivers-including domestic partners and extended family-can access the leave they deserve, without arbitrary restrictions. This bill is a step toward truly honoring the service and sacrifice of those who care for our nation's heroes."

"I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan MIL FMLA Actwith Rep. McClain Delaney, which will address inequities that our veterans, servicemembers, and their families face every day," said Congressman Moylan. "As the representative of the district with the highest level of enlistments per capita, and as a veteran myself, this bill addresses the countless underlying issues that affect our ability and willingness to serve. I look forward to working with Rep. McClain Delaney to deliver for those in our country who have served and currently serve our country."

"It's long overdue that Congress expands leave benefits for the selfless Americans who care for their servicemember or Veteran loved ones-who often have complex and unique medical needs as a result of their service," said Senator Duckworth. "No servicemember should ever have to worry whether they and their loved ones will have the benefits needed to care for them after their service-it hurts our military readiness and recruiting. Supporting caregivers isn't just about doing something humanitarian. It's about the safety and security of our nation."

The MIL FMLA Act would address the gaps in FMLAthat have left many military caregivers without adequate leave access by:

• Adding reserve components and domestic deployments as covered active duty for family members;
• Eliminating the requirement that military caregiver protections only apply to Veterans who served within the last five years;
• Allowing military caregivers to utilize special military caregiver FMLA leave more than once;
• Expanding military caregiver provisions to cover domestic partners and other close family members like aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, grandparents, grandchildren and other loved ones; and
• Creating a new form of leave, specifically for Veterans who need extended time to address serious injuries or illnesses related to their service.

Along with Duckworth, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

Along with McClain Delaney and Moylan, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by U.S. Representatives Bacon (R-NE),Budzinski (D-IL-13), Carbajal (D-CA-24), Carson (D-IN-07), T. Carter (D-LA-02), Cisneros (D-CA-31), Fields (D-LA-06), Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Houlahan (D-PA-06), Hoyer (D-MD-05), Landsman (D-OH-01), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Liccardo (D-CA-16), McBride (D-DE-AL), Neguse (D-CO-02), Olszewksi (D-MD-02), Pingree (D-ME-01), Raskin (D-MD-08), Thanedar (D-MI-13), Tlaib (D-MI-12).

The legislation is endorsed by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, National Military Family Association, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Center for American Progress (CAP), Service Women's Action Network (SWAN), Caregiver Action Network, National Partnership for Women & Families, VoteVets, Caring Across Generations, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), MomsRising, Family Values @ Work, Common Defense, A Better Balance, Truman National Security Project, Secure Families Initiative and Platoon 22.

"We [at Platoon 22] see every day how military service impacts not just the servicemember, but the entire family unit. The MIL FMLA Act is a critical step toward recognizing that caregiving doesn't stop after five years, and that support networks come in all shapes and sizes. By expanding leave protections to include domestic deployments, extended family, and long-term veteran care, this legislation honors the real-life needs of those who serve and those who stand beside them. It's time our laws reflect the full scope of military sacrifice," said Niki Falzone, Executive Director, Platoon 22, Frederick, MD.

"The Making It Likely for Families of the Military to Live with Leave Access Actis a crucial step forward in helping those who make countless sacrifices for their country," said Molly Weston Williamson, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress. "Service members, veterans, and their loved ones deserve the time they need to respond to the effects of service. No one should have to risk their job in order to ensure they or their family can get the care they need or to address the impacts of deployment."

Full text of the legislation is available here.