Friend,

I had my first child, my Molly, while I was still serving in the U.S. Air Force. I loved both of my jobs – being a mother and serving my country – but I struggled with balancing motherhood and military service. The experience I had trying to figure out how to piece it all together was part of the reason I separated from the military. But 30 or so years later, not much has not changed for women in uniform.

Now, as one of only a handful of women veterans in Congress, I want to make it easier for our moms (and dads!) in uniform. That's why I've introduced the bipartisan Military Moms Matter Act – a bill inspired by my own experiences and the experiences of millions of other servicewomen.

The bill will expand paternity and maternity leave and give new moms 12 months for their bodies to recover postpartum before retaking their fitness test – ensuring that families in the military have the time they need to adjust to their new little bundles of joy. 

So many of these issues are common-sense, friend. My mother always told me it takes nine (really 10 if you’re counting properly) months to deliver a child and it should take at least as much time for the body to recover after delivery. She's right. We need laws that reflect this reality for the nearly 20% of our armed forces who happen to be some of the bravest, most badass women I know, so please:

Sign the petition to join me in calling on Congress to pass the Military Moms Matter Act to support our brave military families.

Thanks so much for speaking out, friend. 

As always, there is work to be done!

Chrissy