Cicilline Marks 20th Anniversary of Landmark Family and Medical Leave Act

Press Release

Today, U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) marked the 20th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act.

"Since its enactment 20 years ago, the Family and Medical Leave Act has been a vital resource for workers who need to take unpaid leave to care for themselves and their families without worrying about their long-term job security," Cicilline stated.

On February 5, 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the landmark Family and Medical Leave Act into law -- the third bill he signed upon becoming President, only two weeks after his inauguration. Over the last 20 years, due to the FMLA, mothers and fathers have taken time to care for new babies. Expecting mothers have taken time to care for themselves and seek medical help during complicated pregnancies. Adult children have taken time to care for ailing parents.

Indeed, nearly everyone has, or knows someone who has, benefited from the FMLA. The protections of the FMLA were most recently expanded by a Democratic-led Congress in 2010 to cover family members dealing with a military deployment or service-related injury.

"The Family and Medical Leave Act was a landmark achievement for working families across our nation," Cicilline continued. "I look forward to continuing the fight in Congress to strengthen these critical provisions and help hardworking men and women meet their responsibilities both in the workplace and at home."

Source