Introduction of the Equal Deferment Opportunity Act
Floor Speech
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Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction of the Equal Deferment Opportunity Act and to impress upon my colleagues the importance of all servicewomen having equal protections after childbirth. Current law permits a 12-month deferment from deployment after an active duty servicemember gives birth--thereby ensuring that, before putting their lives on the line to defend America, servicewomen are physically recovered during postpartum. These same protections, however, do not apply to servicewomen in the Reserves or National Guard; my bill would fix this by expanding the 12- month postpartum deployment deferment to all servicewomen. Across all branches of the military, women serve with honor and distinction. Their service ensures our nation is safe from hostile actors that seek to do harm to us. Retaining talent is a critical issue and Congress must ensure the Defense Department is permitting all members of the military have equal access to benefits that allow for critical healthcare needs. As such, this fix is desperately needed. I also applaud Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Thornberry, and my House colleagues on the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. This bill represents a clear vision of a national security strategy that keeps our nation safe, and advances programs and policies that prioritize the wellbeing of our servicemembers and their families. I was especially pleased to see the adoption of my three amendments that include: Permanent Authorization of the Suicide Prevention and Resilience Program: The Suicide Prevention and Resilience Program provides members of the Reserves and National Guard and their families with training in suicide prevention, resilience, and community healing. Equal Deferment After Childbirth: This provision extends existing allowances for active duty servicewomen to defer deployment after childbirth to all members of the armed services, including the Reserves and National Guard. Lead Service Lines Report: This requires the DOD to submit a report on the number of military installations that may have water lines made out of lead, and whether DOD has established an awareness campaign to inform servicemembers and their families about them. I look forward to seeing these amendments enacted into law. Above all else, we must ensure our servicemembers and their families are fully valued.
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