News Releases

WASHINGTON – The United States Senate last night delivered a victory for our nation’s veterans by unanimously passing the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act (H.R. 313). Companion Senate legislation (S. 242) was introduced by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), which passed the Senate in July before advancing to the House. The legislation (H.R. 313) now heads to the president’s desk for his signature.

The Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act will make certain disabled veterans receive the health care they need by providing first-year federal workers who have service-related disabilities with additional leave time for medical care.

“I am pleased this critical legislation to improve the lives of our nation’s veterans is on its way to the president’s desk,” Sen. Moran said. “Service-disabled veterans have demonstrated tremendous bravery in their selfless service, and we have a duty to make their transition to civilian life as seamless as possible. This legislation will help make certain our nation’s heroes may pursue careers in federal service and support their families, while also addressing their medical treatment needs.”

First-year government workers currently accrue four hours of sick leave each pay period. This forces many veterans with disabilities to take unpaid leave for medical appointments because they have not built up the necessary leave time. The Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act gives these veteran employees additional leave up front, freeing them from having to make the hard decision between receiving care and taking unpaid leave after they start their new job. 

Click here to read Sens. Moran and Tester’s bipartisan Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act.

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