Stivers, Moran bill extending veterans’ health care benefits becomes law

Bicameral, bipartisan legislation from U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH) and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) became federal law last week, entitling new federal employees who are U.S. military veterans with a service-connected disability to a specified amount of leave to medically treat their disabilities.

The Veterans Providing Healthcare Transition Improvement Act, S. 899, signed into law by the president on Sept. 7, originally was introduced last April by Sen. Moran, an original cosponsor, and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), the main sponsor. The House version of S. 899, the Veterans Transition Improvement Act, H.R. 2648, was unveiled last May by sponsor Rep. Stivers, who was joined by original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA).

The final version, S. 899, now permits disability-related medical leave for all Veterans Health Administration physicians, dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants, and expanded-function dental auxiliaries, according to the congressional record summary.

“When a careless and regrettable oversight at the federal level punishes the men and women who have and continue to sacrifice and serve our country, action must be taken,” Rep. Stivers said on Sept. 10. “I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their help in righting this wrong, and I’m eager to see it take effect so that our veterans can get the care they need.”

The change enacted under S. 899 provides immediate paid sick leave for U.S. veteran employees during their first year of work, according to a summary provided by the congressman’s office. Previously, under the Wounded Warrior Federal Leave Act of 2015, they would have had to accrue leave over time or take unpaid leave to get their disabilities treated.

“This administration has been working hard on behalf of veterans,” said Sen. Moran during a July 24 Fox News interview, in which the lawmaker discussed ongoing issues with veterans’ health care and benefits, among other topics.

“The number of veterans in my state who call me for help – that number is way too high,” the senator said, referring to disgruntled service members. “And a lot of that has to do with [veterans’] health care.”

Rep. Takano thanked his colleagues in the House and the Senate for overwhelmingly supporting expanded paid sick leave benefits to wounded warriors who served in medical roles. “This is a just law for VA employees and for the veterans who require much-needed care,” he said.

The new law has the support of numerous national groups, including the National Association of VA Physicians and Dentists, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Paralyzed Veterans of America, among others.