[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 7726]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        MILITARY MATERNITY LEAVE

  (Ms. DUCKWORTH asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. Speaker, women in our military are contributing 
more than ever. They serve with distinction in Afghanistan and at duty 
posts around the globe. Women are an irreplaceable piece of the 
strongest and most capable military in the world.
  Now, it is time that we show them the respect they deserve. Today, I 
am introducing the MOM Act with my colleagues, Congresswomen Bordallo 
and Noem. It will extend maternity leave for women in uniform from 6 
weeks to 12 weeks. This bill would increase leave for military women to 
the same amount that the Family and Medical Leave Act guarantees their 
civilian sisters. Women in Federal service also have 12 weeks of 
maternity leave, yet the bravest among us only receive 6 weeks after 
the birth of their child.
  Mothers and fathers across the Nation understand the importance of 
maternity leave. More workers return to work if they are given 
sufficient time to recover. Maternity leave gives us healthier babies 
and stronger families.
  Mothers in the military inevitably face separation from their 
children when they are deployed and serving our Nation around the 
globe. Extending maternity leave for these women is the least we can do 
for those who sacrifice so much for our country.
  Mr. Speaker, this Mother's Day, let's stand up for the women who 
dedicate their lives to standing up for the rest of us. Let's pass the 
MOM Act.

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