Heinrich Stands Up For Working Families, Extends Paid Family Leave

Press Release

U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1) voted to provide paid family leave for new parents employed by the federal government by bringing the federal workforce up to private industry standards. H.R. 626, the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act (FEPPLA), provides federal employees with four weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 258 to 154.

"This bill sets the stage for stronger families and a healthier workforce," said Rep. Heinrich. "We cannot afford to force working moms and dads to choose between a paycheck and caring for a newborn. Instead, we must provide working parents with the vital support they need to succeed."

Current federal paid parental leave policies fall far short of families' needs. FEPPLA brings the federal government - the nation's largest employer with almost two million employees - up to private industry standards for paid parental leave. Currently, under the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act, federal employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave. This new legislation helps ensure that the federal government retains an experienced professional workforce and becomes more competitive in recruiting new workers.

The bill also fosters healthier families by setting children and new parents on the path towards future success. Child development experts continuously find that mothers need substantial time to recover from childbirth, and that both parents need time to care for, and bond with, a new child or infant.

"By passing this bill, we've shown that families and family values are a top priority for this government and that our workforce should have comparable standards to professional private sector employees," said Rep. Heinrich.

Source