[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INCLUSION ACT

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, this year marks the 14th 
anniversary of the passage landmark legislation to help Americans 
balance the responsibilities of work and family, the Family and Medical 
Leave Act. The Family and Medical Leave Act (PL 103-3), allows 
qualified workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave a year to care 
for newborns, seek emergency medical care for himself/herself, parents, 
children under 18 or a legal spouse. Since becoming law, it has allowed 
many tens of millions of Americans to take unpaid leave without the 
risk of losing their jobs.
  But, imagine if your domestic partner, same-sex spouse, adult child, 
parent-in-law, or grandparent was involved in a serious car accident 
and had no one to take care of him or her. Then imagine your employer 
telling you that you can't take a few days off work to care for your 
loved one because you are not covered by FMLA. This situation sounds 
preposterous, but there is no protection for you in current law. That 
is why I am introducing the FMLA Inclusion Act.
  The Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act (H.R. 475 in the 109th 
Congress) amends the FMLA to permit leave to care for a domestic 
partner, same-sex spouse, parent-in-law, adult child, sibling, or 
grandparent if that person has a serious health condition.
  I am pleased that the Human Rights Campaign has endorsed this 
legislation, and I am proud to introduce it with the support of 
original cosponsors Reps. Frank, Baldwin, Woolsey and Shays.
  The FMLA Inclusion Act represents simple fairness, and I look forward 
to working with my colleagues to ensure that this fairness prevails.

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