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

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs Committees (SVAC)—and U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06) and James Moylan (R-GU-AL) introduced legislation to modernize theFamily 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. TheMaking it Likely for Families of the Military to Live with Leave Access (MIL FMLA) Actwould expandFMLAleave benefits for military family members who aren’t currently covered under theFMLA.
“It’s long overdue that Congress expands leave benefits for the selfless Americans who care fortheir servicemember or Veteranloved 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.”
“Over 14 million Americans care for injured servicemembers and veterans, yet current law leaves too many behind,”said Congresswoman McClain Delaney.“The bipartisanMIL 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 bipartisanMIL 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.”
TheMIL FMLA Actwould address the gaps inFMLAthat have left many military caregivers without adequate leave access by:
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 Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), André Carson (D-IN-07), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Cleo Fields (D-LA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Johnny Olszewksi (D-MD-02), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13) and Rasihda 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 Agency for Community EmPOWERment (ACE) of NEPA.
“TheMaking 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 on Senator Duckworth’swebsite.
Duckworth has long been a leader in pushing for better benefits and support for members of the armed and uniformed services and their family members. In April, sheintroduced legislationthat would help expand leave benefits for the millions of devoted health professionals serving in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps. Last month, sherenewed her pushto ensure IVF treatment costs are covered on servicemembers’ and military families’ health care plans. Last December, Duckworthhelped passthe bipartisanFiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)that gave servicemembers a pay raise and included a Duckworth-led provision to improve access to high-quality medical care for servicemembers and their families in the Indo-Pacific region, among other wins for military families.
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