Washington, DC – Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), the Chair of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protection, today voted to provide paid family leave to millions of workers employed by the federal government.  The Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act (FEPPLA), which passed today, will provide federal employees with four weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.

“At a time when more and more parents are struggling to find time for both their careers and their families, we must promote responsible ‘family-friendly’ policies that help parents achieve a balance in their lives,” said Woolsey, an original co-sponsor of the legislation.  “That’s why I am proud to support legislation for the Federal Government to step up to the plate to help hard-working government employees take advantage of this much needed leave.  It’s time for the government to move quickly to extend paid leave and other family-friendly benefits to all workers.”

Throughout her career, Woolsey has been a tireless advocate on behalf of working families.  One of her most important domestic priorities has been the Balancing Act, legislation that she has introduced to assist working parents in meeting their career and family responsibilities.  Her legislation would provide working parents in the private sector with paid family and medical leave, expanded child care opportunities, and increased in-school and after-school options.

“The Family and Medical Leave Act was meant to help provide workers with the opportunity to take time off for important life events, but it’s useless if you can’t afford to take advantage of it,” said Woolsey.  “That’s why we need to go beyond protected leave, and ensure that workers have the paid leave they deserve.”

The United States is one of only four countries in the world, including Liberia; Papua New Guinea; and Swaziland that does not offer paid maternity leave.