[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 25 (Monday, February 13, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES PAID PARENTAL LEAVE ACT

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 13, 2017

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud 
to reintroduce the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, 
bipartisan legislation to grant six weeks of paid parental leave to 
hardworking federal employees.
  In the Presidential campaign, both candidates voiced strong support 
for a workplace that makes sense for hardworking parents. This 
bipartisan legislation is a great place to start.
  The federal government is our nation's largest employer, and should 
be setting the trend for commonsense, family-friendly policies. Paid 
parental leave would give a boost to the almost two million people who 
work for the federal government across the country, and would help our 
government recruit and retain a talented workforce.
  The growing costs of caring for a new child, the expensive diapers, 
bottles, baby carriers, they all add up very quickly. The USDA found 
that in the first two years a new child can cost families an average of 
nearly $13,000.
  Paid leave makes sure that families can start out on the right foot, 
not forcing them into debt, or making devastating choices between 
caring for a child and the paycheck they need.
  I am proud that versions of this legislation have passed the House 
twice before, and urge my colleagues to support this common-sense 
proposal.

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