Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act. This is a bill--previously introduced in the House of Representatives on a bipartisan basis--that would extend the important protections of the Family and Medical Leave Act to same- sex couples in America. Under current law, it is impossible for many employees to be with their partners during times of medical need. The late Senator Edward Kennedy once said, ``It is wrong for our civil laws to deny any American the basic right to be part of a family, to have loved ones with whom to build a future and share life's joys and tears, and to be free from the stain of bigotry and discrimination.'' America has a rich history of embracing those once discriminated against and making them part of our nation's family. All Americans-- regardless of their background--are deserving of dignity and respect. 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. Thanks to the FMLA, those people in the workforce who suffer a serious illness or significant injury are able to take time to heal, recover, follow their doctors' orders, and return to their jobs strong, healthy, and ready to be productive again. Most importantly, they know that they will still have jobs to return to, because those are protected by the law.…”