Congresswoman Nikema Williams Applauds the Inclusion of Paid Family Leave in Build Back Better Legislation

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) addressed the addition of paid family and medical leave in the House of Representatives' proposed Build Back Better legislation:

"America needs paid leave now. As the richest country in the world, it is unacceptable that we still force people to make the impossible choice between earning a paycheck and caring for their families."

"Thanks to the tireless advocacy of Speaker Pelosi, House Democrats and the power of the people, paid leave is back on the table. This is a significant victory for the people and a clear signal that we are ready to deliver on President Biden's promise to Build Back Better for the American people.

"I know how meaningful this addition is because I've lived through the struggle without paid family leave. When I was giving birth to my son Carter, not having paid leave almost compromised our lives. After saving vacation time for 4 years to piece together the hours I thought I needed to heal and care for a newborn, I was placed on bed rest for the last month of my pregnancy due to my blood pressure. My husband and I struggled, but were lucky to have figured it out, but no parent should have to. It's time to give parents and families a fighting chance and we do that through enacting a national standard for paid family and medical leave."

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