Pelosi Statement on the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act

Washington, D.C.-- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on H.R. 626, the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act. The House passed the bill this evening by a vote of 258 to 154. 

"Today's House passage of paid parental leave for federal employees after the birth or adoption of a new child is a victory for all working families.  As the nation's largest employer, the federal government should offer competitive benefits to those already offered in the private sector.  Family-friendly practices help improve children's health and development; they also reduce turnover.

"Supporting families with paid parental leave is an investment in our future.  I salute Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney for her relentless efforts to ensure a strong bipartisan vote in support of this legislation.  With this vote, in tough economic times, the House has stood with hardworking Americans and their families, and on the side of fiscally sound management."