Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH) today introduced legislation that would extend paid family leave changes made in the most recent National Defense Reauthorization Act (NDAA) to uncovered Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) employees.

“As a devoted father, I know that having the resources to care for your family isn’t a political issue; it’s a personal one,” said Balderson. “What motivates me each day is the opportunity to make a positive impact in the everyday lives of Ohioans, and this legislation has the potential to do just that.”

The VAlue FAAmily Act would correct an oversight made in the 2020 NDAA, which expanded Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protections and 12 weeks of paid parental leave to most federal government employees, except those in the FAA, TSA, and VHA. This legislation would grant equal FMLA and paid parental leave benefits to these employees, reaffirming our nation’s commitment to workforce development and the value of the family.

The VAlue FAAmily Act was introduced with 5 original cosponsors: Representatives Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Mark Meadows (R-NC).

BACKGROUND:

The FAA and TSA are in dire need of employees; their workforce shortage has serious effects on these agencies’ abilities to ensure Americans are safe while traveling across our skies. Unfortunately, the FAA and TSA have difficulty attracting qualified candidates who seek better benefits and flexibility for family leave.

Likewise, the Veterans Health Administration within the VA severely lacks qualified medical care providers, such as physicians, registered nurses, dentists, and other direct-care providers. In this case, it is America’s veterans who suffer. These men and women have sacrificed for our country and deserve quality medical care when they are at their most vulnerable. Ensuring the federal government can provide FMLA and parental leave benefits makes the VA a more competitive potential employer for doctors, nurses, and other providers.

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