News Releases

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) bipartisan legislation to make sure disabled veterans who work for the federal government can get the medical care they need unanimously passed out of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Sen. Moran’s Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act (S. 242), which he introduced along with Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) in January, would provide first-year federal workers who have service-related disabilities with sick leave to use specifically for medical visits. Service-disabled veterans would no longer have to make the hard decision between receiving care and taking unpaid leave after they start their new job. 

"Service-disabled veterans who have served our nation with duty and honor deserve peace of mind when transitioning into the federal workforce and civilian life," Sen. Moran, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee said. "The Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act will help make sure certain veterans can pursue a career in the federal government and support their families while also addressing their medical treatment needs. I am pleased that it will now move to the full Senate for consideration."

Currently, first-year government workers accrue four hours of sick leave each pay period, forcing many veterans with disabilities to take unpaid leave because they have not built up the necessary leave time.

The bill supports first-year federal employees with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Sen. Moran’s bill is supported by The American Legion, the American Federation of Government Employees, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National Treasury Employees Union, among others.

The Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act is available online HERE. Similar legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives.