As a working mother, Rep. Eshoo knows the struggle many Americans endure when balancing work with the needs of their families. That balance can be difficult and even impossible to maintain when one’s own health or that of a family member is compromised. Prior to the passage of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, employees sometimes jeopardized their continued employment to take time away from work to deal with health-related matters.

Rep. Eshoo was proud to vote for this landmark legislation, which guarantees eligible employees 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for one’s own serious health condition, or that of one’s child, spouse or parent; to care for a newborn, newly adopted, or newly placed foster child; and upon the birth or placement of an adopted or foster child.

Americans should not have to choose between paying their bills and staying home with a sick parent or child, and Rep. Eshoo is committed to continue fighting on behalf of families.