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Pelosi Statement on the 23rd Anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act

February 5, 2016

Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in recognition of the anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act, which was signed into law by President Clinton, on February 5, 1993:

“Twenty-three years ago, after two vetoes by a Republican President, the Family and Medical Leave Act was signed into law by President Bill Clinton – the very first law of his administration. ‘Now,’ President Clinton said at the signing, ‘millions of our people will no longer have to choose between their jobs and their families.’ Thanks to this landmark law, millions and millions of new parents and caregivers have been able to care for their loved ones without losing their jobs for doing so.

“Yet today, while the FMLA provides job-protected, unpaid leave, many working families cannot afford to give up their pay for time to bond with a new child or care for an ailing loved one. The United States remains the only developed country in the world that does not ensure paid maternity leave.

“We must lead on leave. We have a responsibility to meet the challenges facing America’s families. This Congress must act to ensure equal pay for equal work, provide paid sick leave and paid family leave, expand access to affordable, high-quality child care, and raise the minimum wage. The American people demand and deserve an economy that works for everyone – not just the privileged few.”

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