South Iowa News

U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) has announced that his bipartisan legislation, the Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act, has been signed into law. The bill expands parental leave eligibility for parents serving in the drilling Reserve or National Guard. Representative Nunn co-led this effort with Representative Jeff Jackson (NC-14).

"As a father and current Air Force Reserve member, I've experienced firsthand the sacrifices parents make to serve our country. I'm proud that our bipartisan bill has been included in this year's National Defense Authorization Act to make life easier for military families," said Rep. Nunn.

The Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act addresses a disparity under current policies implemented in 2021. While these policies expanded parental leave for fathers and adoptive parents in active duty, they did not include drilling members of the Reserve and National Guard. This bill aims to equalize leave policies for all service members, ensuring that Reserve and National Guard parents have the same access to leave as their active duty counterparts.

The bill was originally introduced on April 13, 2023, at the American Legion in Bondurant, Iowa. It passed the House of Representatives on December 14, 2023, and the Senate on December 13, 2023, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on Friday, December 22, 2023.

Representative Nunn, who currently serves in the Air Force Reserve, has firsthand experience with the policy disparity. With six children, including two recently adopted foster daughters, he understands the importance of ensuring that all service members have the opportunity to spend time with their new children.

This legislation is a significant step towards supporting military families by providing them with the necessary support and time to bond with their newborns. It recognizes the sacrifices made by parents serving in the Reserve or National Guard and ensures that they are not disadvantaged compared to their active duty counterparts.

The Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act is an important achievement for Representative Nunn and his colleagues, who have worked tirelessly to address this disparity in parental leave policies. This law will have a positive impact on military families across the country, allowing them to focus on their new additions without the added stress of limited time off.

The signing of this bill into law demonstrates the commitment of the United States government to supporting its servicemembers and their families. It recognizes the valuable contributions made by those who serve our country and ensures that they are provided with the necessary benefits and support they deserve.

As military families celebrate the passage of this legislation, it is evident that the Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act will make a significant difference in their lives. It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Representative Zach Nunn and Representative Jeff Jackson, who have championed this cause and successfully secured its inclusion in the National Defense Authorization Act.

This law is a clear indication that the United States is committed to supporting and valuing its military families, recognizing the sacrifices they make in service to their country. By equalizing parental leave policies for all service members, the government is ensuring that no parent is left behind and that military families have the support they need during this important time in their lives.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://nunn.house.gov/media/press-releases/nunn-bill-expanding-parental-leave-military-families-signed-law