Congress has yet another working mom to add to its ranks.  

Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., is back at work after giving birth to daughter Abigail O’kalani Bowlsbey in November.  According to her office, Duckworth took 12 weeks paid maternity leave and returned to work at the district office at the end of last month. While on leave, she was able to take brief trips to D.C. for her swearing-in and the signing of the Clay Hunt veterans suicide prevention bill earlier this month, but this is her first full week back on Capitol Hill. It was also Abigail’s first plane ride, which, according to Duckworth’s office, went quite well.  

Duckworth’s maternity leave corresponds to the amount she offers her own staff.  Women receive 12 weeks paid maternity leave; men receive six weeks paid paternity leave. Duckworth described her leave as “an amazing time in my life to be able to spend so much time with Abigail” in a statement to HOH.  

What’s next on the busy working mom’s to-do list? Mulling a Senate run perhaps?  

The 114th: CQ Roll Call’s Guide to the New Congress


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