[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 5, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1220
            20TH ANNIVERSARY OF FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

  (Mrs. CAPPS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the anniversary of the 
Family and Medical Leave Act, a critical law that has helped Americans 
balance the demands of work and family for 20 years.
  Over these last two decades, FMLA has helped to foster strong family 
relationships, ensuring parents could take time with a new child, 
allowing workers to care for older family members, and permitting 
military families the time to prepare for new deployments. For this, we 
are all grateful.
  But we must remember that FMLA is only the first step to helping our 
working families. Too many are still without FMLA's protections, and 
millions who are eligible can't afford to take unpaid leave.
  As we reflect on 20 years of great success, let's recommit to 
improving this program going forward to help keep all American families 
strong.

                          ____________________