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To improve parental leave for members of the Armed Forces.

1/24/2025, 9:20 AM

Summary of Bill HR 656

Bill 119 HR 656, also known as the Military Parental Leave Modernization Act, aims to improve parental leave benefits for members of the Armed Forces. Currently, military personnel are granted 12 weeks of unpaid leave following the birth or adoption of a child. This bill seeks to change that by providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers in the military.

The bill would allow service members to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave within the first year after the birth or adoption of a child. This leave can be taken consecutively or intermittently, giving military parents more flexibility in caring for their new child. Additionally, the bill would ensure that service members continue to receive their full pay and benefits while on parental leave.

The goal of this legislation is to support military families and promote work-life balance for service members. By providing paid parental leave, the bill aims to reduce financial stress for military families and allow parents to bond with their new child without worrying about lost income. Overall, Bill 119 HR 656 seeks to modernize parental leave policies within the Armed Forces and provide much-needed support for military families during this important time in their lives.

Congressional Summary of HR 656

Protecting Military Parental Leave Evaluations Act

This bill requires the Department of Defense to prescribe regulations regarding parental leave policies for members of the Armed Forces across all branches.

Specifically, the regulations must (1) exempt a member from a performance evaluation when such member is taking parental leave that exceeds 31 consecutive days; and (2) authorize a member (without a waiver) to take leave during the two-year period after the birth of a child, adoption of a child, or placement of a minor child in the custody of such member.

Current Status of Bill HR 656

Bill HR 656 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 23, 2025. Bill HR 656 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 23, 2025.  Bill HR 656's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. as of January 23, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 656

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 656

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 656

To improve parental leave for members of the Armed Forces.
To improve parental leave for members of the Armed Forces.

Comments

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