A measure to guarantee paid parental leave to federal employees has been included in the final National Defense Authorization Act and is expected to pass in both chambers—a huge victory for our nation’s 2 million public servants and their families!
This victory is thanks to the leadership of lawmakers including Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Chairman Adam Smith, Rep Chrissy Houlahan, and Sen. Brian Schatz, and thanks to our fellow advocates who fought for the inclusion of the provision in the final bill.
The federal government is the nation’s largest employer, and paid parental leave for its employees will improve the health and financial security of millions of families and help advance gender equity in the federal workforce. There is a growing consensus across the country that paid leave is a necessity, and with this measure, the federal government leads by example.
It’s time for the U.S. to pass a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program that works for all, and we hope this is just the first step.
