SC Alaska News

Bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding leave benefits for officers in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps has passed the Senate by unanimous consent. The bill, known as the Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act, is led by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). The legislation seeks to address a longstanding gap, as PHS officers are currently the only federal entity—civilian or uniformed—without access to certain leave benefits such as extended parental leave, emergency leave, court appearance leave, and rest and recuperation leave.

Senator Murkowski commented on the legislation’s progress: “I was proud to help lead the effort to advance the Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act, first in the HELP Committee and then on the Senate floor, bringing us one step closer to fixing this longstanding inequity. Our Public Health Service officers stand on the front lines during national crises—from public health emergencies to natural disasters—and deserve the same benefits afforded to their fellow uniformed service members.”

Senator Duckworth added: “When disease or disaster threatens our public safety, PHS officers are on the front lines helping keep the American people healthy and out of harm’s way—there’s no reason they shouldn’t have the same leave benefits that officers of the Army, Navy or any of our other uniformed services do. This bipartisan legislation would help ensure these devoted health professionals have equal access to the benefits they deserve, and I’m proud it passed the Senate by unanimous consent.”

Supporters of the bill note that current disparities in leave benefits between PHS and other uniformed services can make it harder for PHS to recruit and retain qualified professionals. This situation may impact the nation’s ability to respond effectively to public health emergencies such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks.