John Katko: “I am a Republican, and I rise in strong support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. I was proud to join Chairman…”

“I am a Republican, and I rise in strong support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. I was proud to join Chairman Nadler and Representatives Herrera Beutler, McBath, and Scott in introducing this bill. Simply put, no mother-to-be or mother in this country should have to choose between being a parent and keeping her job. Unfortunately, current Federal law lacks adequate protections to ensure pregnant workers are able to remain healthy in the workplace. With 30 States having already passed laws to provide these protections, the need and support for a Federal standard is clear. This bipartisan bill provides pregnant workers with an affirmative right to reasonable accommodations in the workplace, while creating a clear and navigable standard for employees to follow. These accommodations, as simple as providing an employee with extra restroom breaks or a stool to sit on, should not be controversial. The arguments against this bill made by some Members of my own party are based on inaccuracies and wrongfully detract from the importance of this commonsense policy. Reflecting the widespread support for this legislation, the bill has received numerous endorsements from the business community, as well as over 180 women's health, labor, and civil rights organizations.…”