Paid Leave Champion DeLauro Endorses Ways and Means Proposal

NEW HAVEN– House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), the sponsor of the FAMILY Act, released the following statement endorsing Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richie Neal's (D-MA-01) paid family and medical leave proposal:

"Creating a permanent, national paid family and medical leave program has been one of the most important causes of my life.

"As Democrats collaborate on the historic Build Back Better Act, I am pleased that the Ways and Means Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Richie Neal, has put forward a proposal that includes a plan for 12 weeks of universal, comprehensive, and equitable paid family and medical leave. This plan, which I worked closely with Chairman Neal to develop, will benefit millions of American workers, families, businesses, and individuals, as well as our entire economy.

"I am proud that the heart of this legislation is built around the FAMILY Act that I have introduced with Senator Gillibrand since 2013. I believe it is the best approach to secure paid family and medical leave in reconciliation legislation, and I wholeheartedly endorse it.

"Together, Congress and President Biden have the opportunity to finally deliver this critical benefit for working families. We must not let the moment pass. It will not come again."

DeLauro began drafting landmark paid family and medical leave legislation in 2010. After finding a partner in the Senate, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), she first introduced comprehensive paid family and medical leave legislation, the FAMILY Act, in 2013. She has reintroduced every Congress since then.