I rise today to introduce the Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act. This bill, which I have also introduced in the previous two Congresses, would extend the important protections of the Family and Medical Leave Act to grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, adult children, and same-sex spouses and domestic partners throughout America. I am pleased to introduce this bill with a coalition of Senators who are committed to ensuring justice and equality for all Americans. I would like to thank Senators Leahy, Whitehouse, Sanders, Murray, Coons, Gillibrand, Lautenberg, and Blumenthal for standing with me in support of the Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act. In 1993, Congress passed the Family and Medical Leave Act to, among other things, protect American workers facing either a personal health crisis, or that of a close family member. People in the workforce who suffer a serious illness or significant injury should be able to take time to heal, recover, and follow their doctors' orders, without the added stress of worrying about their job status. They should be able to return to their workplaces strong, healthy, and ready to be productive again. Thanks to the FMLA, they can take the needed time knowing that their jobs will be there when they recover. Most employees, however, are not solely concerned about their own health and wellbeing. They are also concerned about the health and wellbeing of those they love.…
On the recordApril 25, 2013
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