Senate unanimously passes Tester and Moran’s Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act

Bipartisan bill ensures disabled veterans working for the federal government receive the benefits they have earned

(U.S. Senate) – Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) bipartisan Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act has passed the Senate with unanimous support.

The Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act ensures disabled veterans receive the medical care they need by providing first-year federal workers who have service related disabilities with 104 hours of sick leave.

“Veterans who choose to continue their public service shouldn’t be forced to take unpaid leave to get the treatment they need,” Tester said. “This bill helps ensure veterans don’t lose pay because they need to see a doctor. I urge the House to finish the job and pass this bill as soon as possible.”

“I am pleased that the Senate has maintained our commitment to improving the lives of our veterans by passing the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act,” Moran said. “Service-disabled veterans have demonstrated tremendous bravery in their selfless service and we have a duty to make their transition into civilian life as seamless as possible. This important legislation will help make certain our nation’s heroes can pursue a career in the federal service and support their families while also addressing their medical treatment needs. In passing the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act, the Senate has shown that providing for our veterans’ needs will continue to be a top priority.”

Currently, first-year government workers accrue four hours of sick leave each pay period, forcing 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 104 hours of 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.

Tester and Moran’s bipartisan Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act is available HERE and awaits action in the House.