[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1559]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES PAID PARENTAL LEAVE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2011

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, when the national economy suffers, 
families face significant financial challenges and pressures--making 
measures that protect their health and prevent unnecessary job loss 
more important than ever. Helping families stay afloat in these 
economic times is critical--even for families of federal employees. 
That is why I am introducing the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave 
Act, which would provide 4 weeks of paid parental leave to federal 
workers following the birth, adoption, or fostering of a child. Paid 
leave ensures that a new child does not further destabilize families 
who are struggling to make ends meet.
  The federal government should be a leader in family-friendly 
workplace policy. As the nation's largest employer, with over 1.8 
million employees across the nation--including 85% of those outside the 
Washington, DC area--the federal government can serve as a role model 
for other employers.
  Nearly ten percent of the workforce is unemployed, and many more are 
underemployed. Millions of families that once relied on two incomes are 
forced to survive on one--or none at all. A sharp rise in male 
unemployment has increased the number of families entirely dependent on 
a woman's earnings. Without paid leave, the birth or placement of a 
child means that many working families are left with no income at all 
coupled with rising expenses associated with a new child.
  This bill is a straightforward, cost-effective way to help families 
while rebuilding a strong national economy. As of January 2011, the 
United States is the only industrialized nation with no paid parental 
leave. We are in the company of Lesotho, Swaziland and Papua New Guinea 
by not offering paid parental leave.
  In the 111th and 110th Congresses, this bill passed the House with 
bipartisan support. I hope that my colleagues in the 112th will support 
this measure. In a tough economy, parents should not have to choose 
between a paycheck and caring for a new child.

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