[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 161 (Thursday, September 17, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

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                      HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 2020

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today regarding votes I missed 
on September 14, resulting from a family emergency, and September 15, 
2020, due to a historic signing ceremony at the White House of two 
agreements decades in the making.
  Had I been present for Roll Call Votes 183, H.R. 4894, the 
Congressional Budget Justification Act, and 184, S. 2193, the CHARGE 
Act, I would have voted yea. These bills have my full support, and I 
hope they are swiftly signed into law.
  Additionally, had I been present for Roll Call Votes 185 and 186, on 
ordering the previous question and agreeing to H. Res. 1107, 
respectively, I would have also voted yea. The bills brought to the 
House floor by this rule are long overdue for consideration. In 
particular, H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, of which I am 
a cosponsor, is vitally important legislation. No woman should ever be 
forced to choose between a healthy pregnancy and her career, but for 
too long, that has been the reality for many women. Despite existing 
laws, many workers still face pregnancy discrimination, including job 
loss, hiring discrimination, or an unsafe work environment. The 
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act establishes clear, reasonable 
accommodations for pregnant employees, and further ensures that 
pregnant employees cannot be retaliated against, denied employment 
opportunities, or be forced to take paid or unpaid leave due to their 
pregnancy. I look forward to supporting this legislation, as well as 
others brought forward by this rule.

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