[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 107 (Friday, August 5, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 TO COMMEMORATE THE 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE 
                                  ACT

                                 ______


                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 5, 1994

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 1 year 
anniversary of the effective date of the Family and Medical Leave Act. 
I would also like to thank Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder for 
organizing recognition of the first anniversary of this important 
legislation.
  The Family and Medical Leave Act has relieved many American workers 
with families of the burden of having to choose between caring for an 
ailing child or parent and losing their job. Unfortunately, many 
employees remain unaware of their rights, and many employers have 
failed to develop leave policies and grievance procedures.
  Still, the Labor Department has reported that the measure has been 
successful with 90 percent of complaints filed under the act resolved 
to the employee's satisfaction, and there's been no evidence that the 
act has been burdensome to employers, as predicted by the act's 
opponents.
  With the changing composition of our Nation's work force, family and 
medical leave legislation to help workers balance work and family 
responsibilities was long overdue. I am grateful that President Clinton 
signed this into law.

                          ____________________