[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 107 (Friday, August 5, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
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]

 
   SALUTING THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF FAMILIES

  (Mrs. UNSOELD asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. UNSOELD. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago we stood in the Rose Garden. A 
mother held the binder while President Clinton signed the Family and 
Medical Leave Act into law. This was a mother whose child suffered from 
cancer--a mother whose ability to hold a job and her husband's ability 
to keep his job were simply denied at a time in their lives when family 
unity was of the highest priority; denied because employers would not 
grant medical leave to these parents.
  Today 2.5 million people--including 57 percent of working mothers 
with children under the age of 6--are now able to spend valuable time 
with a child or with an elderly parent without fear of losing their 
jobs.
  That is support for families. That is a family value.
  And guess what? By the end of 1993 most business organizations 
already have family and medical leave policies in place that go beyond 
the minimum requirements of this act. For example, 9 out of 10 
employers continue to provide benefits other than health care for 
employees who are taking FMLA leave.
  Today we salute the leadership of President Clinton and this Congress 
in their support of families--support when and where it counts.

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