[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE RESTORATION ACT

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                         HON. CAROL SHEA-PORTER

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 2009

  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Madam Speaker, I am proud to introduce today the 
Family and Medical Leave Restoration Act. Since its enactment in 1993, 
the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has helped workers and family 
members to balance the responsibilities of the workplace with their or 
their family's medical needs. This job protected leave provides workers 
with the comfort of knowing that their job will be safe while they tend 
to their health needs, or the health needs of a loved one.
  FMLA leave is unpaid leave, but it provides the worker with the basic 
assurance that their job will be protected while taking the family or 
medical leave that they need. Unfortunately, the previous 
Administration issued new rules regarding the use of FMLA leave that 
place additional burdens on workers. Workers who find themselves in a 
position that requires FMLA leave should not have to worry about 
meeting additional requirements for accessing their FMLA leave.
  The Family and Medical Leave Restoration Act will repeal the most 
restrictive of the new regulations, restoring the common sense--and 
fair--regulations that were previously in place. It also directs the 
new Secretary of Labor to revisit and revise other FMLA regulations 
that were promulgated under her predecessor.
  I look forward to working with Secretary Solis--a proven champion for 
workers' rights--on this issue, and on behalf of the workers of New 
Hampshire and the nation.

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