CIRCLEVILLE— A bill introduced by Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH) aimed to close a loophole for newly hired veterans in medical positions with the Department of Veterans Affairs has been signed into law.

Previously, the law prohibited such employees, such as doctors, nurses, chiropractors or physician assistants from receiving the same Wounded Warrior Act benefits veteran employees received if they were in other federal agencies. Now immediate paid sick leave for veteran employees in their first year is provided.

The Wounded Warrior Act was signed into law in 2015 and gave paid sick leave available to new veteran federal employees with service connected conditions but did not extend to Title 38 empoyees which includes medical personnel.

“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,” Stivers said. “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.”

Representative Mark Takano (D-CA) also introduced the bill with Stivers and shared his thoughts on the measure.

“Veteran employees at the VA have already made incredible sacrifices and this law ensures that their paychecks will not continue to be one of them,” said Takano. “I thank my colleagues in the House and the Senate for their overwhelming support in expanding paid sick leave benefits to wounded warriors serving in medical roles at the VA. This is a just law for VA employees and for the veterans who require much-needed care.”

The measure was signed into law by President Donald Trump earlier this week.