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




           FEDERAL EMPLOYEES PAID PARENTAL LEAVE ACT OF 2008

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support of the 
Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, introduced by Congresswoman 
Carolyn B. Maloney.
  The bill H.R. 5781 provides Federal employees with 4 weeks of paid 
parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child. The introduction 
of this important bill is crucial to Federal workforce and American 
families. Paid parental leave will create the opportunity for many 
employees to become new parents while keeping the balance between work 
and families. Many of those who oppose this critical bill deny not only 
the chance for happy family living, but also productivity and 
effectiveness of the Federal workforce system. Paid Parental Leave Act 
does not increase the deficit of the budget; it will be paid for 
through discretionary spending, without hurting the economy or 
taxpayers.
  In many countries all over the world, the paid parental Leave is 
introduced and supported by the government. The U.S. Federal Government 
should be an example of the family-friendly workplace policies. Members 
of Congress must understand how crucial the Federal Employees Paid 
Parental Leave Act is and must strongly support its enactment.

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