Service members whose spouses give birth would get at least 14 days leave and dual military couples who adopt a child would both get two weeks off under House proposals approved as part of the annual defense authorization bill Wednesday.
But lawmakers rejected a more generous plan that would have extended a full 12 weeks of family leave to both parents welcoming the arrival of a new child, a proposal billed by advocates as an issue of fairness for gay couples and wounded troops who can't bear biological children.
Earlier this year, Pentagon officials announced plans to extend 12 weeks of fully paid maternity leave for all female service members who have a child.
But the offer does not extend to adoptive parents, who face an array of different leave policies and restrictions. And it did not affect the 10 days of paternity leave offered to the spouses of those female troops.
House Armed Services Committee lawmakers moved to address both issues with the annual policy bill, backing defense officials' request to increase that paternity leave to 14 days and apply it to same-sex couples serving in the ranks.
They also included provisions to allows dual military couples who adopt to split 36 days of leave, according to family needs.
But a proposal by Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., would have extended the family leave for all of those parents — regardless of the circumstances of the child's birth — to 12 weeks, arguing that time is crucial for the stability and health of the family.
"Children are children and can't choose who their parents are," she said. "I don't think the Defense Department means to tell adopted children they are less worthy of bonding time than other children. But it does."
Defense officials have pushed back against the idea in the past, citing readiness and cost concerns. The committee rejected the proposal on a voice vote.
Senate lawmakers must agree with the new leave provisions before they can be sent to the president to become law. The authorization bill isn't expected to be finalized until this fall.
Leo Shane III covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He can be reached at lshane@militarytimes.com.
Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.
