00:00I recognize Senator Lisa Murkowski. The bill is sponsored to introduce the bill. I'll note there is there is no managers amendment on this. Senator Murkowski is recognized for two minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm pleased to be able to introduce this measure with Senator Duckworth. This is an effort to to provide parity to the Uniformed Services, the public, the United States Public Health Services Commission Corps. It's a mouthful.
00:25The Public Health Services Commission Corps is is the only uniformed service with a public health mission. We have seen them in our states when there are emergencies, natural disasters, they are there. But unfortunately, this is the only federal entity, these officers are the only federal entity, both uniformed and civilian without access to to parity when it comes to to certain benefits.
00:55They are the only ones to to not have extended parental leave literally the last federal service members without that. Their counterparts in all uniformed services receive comprehensive leave benefits under Title 10. So this is an effort again to make sure that recruiting our health care professionals across the country is is equitable and fair.
01:25However, we will certainly be able to make sure that they have benefits to the uniformed services that the benefits of our unit.
01:30We will be able to use aabile, but we are able to use for all different disabilities to the public health service commission corps, ensuring that we have consistent standards across all our uniformed services. We eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies by aligning the PHS within the existing framework like we do with TRICARE, military process, and other benefits. So this is about basic fairness.
01:32Regarding those who are serving us and I would urge all of my colleagues to support.
01:48Are there any amendments to this bill? Seeing none, we shall proceed.
