All federal workers could get 12 weeks of paid parental leave

The benefit would extend 12 weeks of paid leave to federal employees who have parenting responsibilities.

“This is going to be make a big difference, I think, in their ability to address” family issues, Dayton-area Congressman Mike Turner said Tuesday.

U.S. troops would also get a 3.1% pay increase, the largest in a decade under the plan.

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The slated pay raise for the troops “certainly recognizes the sacrifices our men and women are making every day,” Turner said.

A final vote on the defense legislation is expected in the House this week, perhaps as early as Wednesday, and later in the Senate.