[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 103 (Friday, June 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1305-E1306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           FEDERAL EMPLOYEES PAID PARENTAL LEAVE ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2008

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 
5781, the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2008. I am proud 
to be an original cosponsor of this important legislation.

[[Page E1306]]

  People should not be punished for taking the time to care for new 
additions to their families. You must take time to take care of your 
child, your family, and yourself. It makes you a better person, a 
better parent, and in the long-term--a better employee. Pressure to 
jump back into work does nothing to ease mind, body, spirit, or 
financial pressures.
  Simply said, the current policy is detrimental to many, many American 
families. The Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act shows that the 
federal government actually cares about American families.
  Women who require leave to care for a new child, new employees who 
have do not have saved days, and those who have used all their leave 
suffer under the existing policy. These hard-working Americans are 
forced to choose between spending more time with their children and 
maintaining an income to support their family. Providing four weeks for 
paid parental leave and allowing existing leave to be used to care for 
new babies eases the pressures on federal employees and their families.
  H.R. 5781 is just good, common sense policy, and, Mr. Speaker, we 
must act now. I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 5781.

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