Introduction of Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act

Floor Speech

Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, on February 5, 2013 we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act. Millions of American families have benefitted from this landmark law that allows workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave to care for a new child, a sick family member, or an injured service member in their family.

As we mark this anniversary we also must acknowledge that two decades later our nation's family leave policies have not kept pace with changes to America's families and workforce. FMLA provides unpaid leave, which means families must choose between foregoing a paycheck and caring for a new child or sick loved one.

The Federal government is our nation's largest employer and as such should be leading the way on family-friendly workplace policy. Today, I am introducing the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, legislation that provides federal employees with 4 weeks of paid leave following the birth, adoption, or fostering of a child. By extending paid parental leave for new parents this bill helps diminish the risk of real economic hardship for the 2 million federal employees following the birth or adoption of a child.

In 2009, the House successfully passed the bill with the bipartisan support of 258 Members. I urge my colleagues in the 113th Congress to focus on job creation efforts while also ensuring that federal leave policy reflects the realities of our nation's workforce in the 21st Century. Thank you to my colleagues Delegate ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, and Representatives GERALD CONNOLLY, GEORGE MILLER, JOHN CONYERS Jr, and RAUL GRIJALVA for their support of the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act.

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