A New Bill Would Expand Paid Leave for Federal Employees

Many federal employees are surprised to learn that while they receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child, there is no comparable paid leave program if they develop a serious medical condition themselves.

A newly introduced bipartisan bill aims to change that.

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act (H.R. 9261) would provide eligible federal employees with up to 12 weeks of paid leave for any qualifying event covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), not just the arrival of a new child.

If enacted, the legislation would significantly broaden one of the more limited areas of the federal benefits package.

Where Things Stand Today

Federal employees gained an important new benefit in 2020 when paid parental leave became available for the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.

Outside of parental leave, however, the options are much more limited.

Employees facing a serious illness, recovering from surgery, caring for a spouse or parent with a major health condition, or dealing with other qualifying family emergencies generally have to rely on accumulated sick leave, annual leave, donated leave through the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program, or leave without pay.

Unlike many private employers, the federal government does not offer a comprehensive paid medical leave program or a short-term disability benefit for most civilian employees.

What the Bill Would Change

H.R. 9261 would extend paid leave to the full range of situations already recognized under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

That includes qualifying medical conditions, caring for certain family members with serious health issues, military family leave, and other FMLA-covered circumstances.

Supporters argue the proposal is about more than expanding benefits.

The bill’s sponsors estimate the federal government could save at least $50 million annually by reducing employee turnover, improving retention, and lowering recruiting and training costs. As agencies continue competing with the private sector for talent, comprehensive paid leave has become an increasingly common benefit among large employers.

Will It Become Law?

That remains uncertain.

Versions of this legislation have been introduced before without advancing through Congress. While the proposal has bipartisan backing, it will still need to move through the legislative process before becoming law.

Even so, the bill highlights an issue many federal employees don’t think about until they need extended time away from work.

Today, a federal employee welcoming a new child may qualify for 12 weeks of paid leave. But if that same employee later faces cancer treatment, a major surgery, or needs to care for a seriously ill spouse, there is no equivalent paid leave benefit available.

Whether Congress ultimately acts or not, the proposal has renewed attention on one of the remaining gaps in the federal benefits package.