Adams Commends House Leadership for Inclusion of Paid Family and Medical Leave
“The United States is the only country in the world with more than 10 million people to provide no paid leave for new mothers. A pregnancy or medical emergency should never be the reason someone loses their paycheck or their job."
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 3, 2021) – Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) commended the efforts of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House leadership to include paid family and medical leave in the Build Back Better Act, also known as the reconciliation bill.
"Paid family and medical leave, including maternity leave, is a lifeline for parents in the workforce," said Congresswoman Alma Adams, Chair of the House Education & Labor Committee's Subcommittee on Workforce Protections. "The United States is the only country in the world with more than 10 million people to provide no paid leave for new mothers. A pregnancy or medical emergency should never be the reason someone loses their paycheck or their job. Thank you to Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Richard Neal, and Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro for working to make sure we build back better with paid leave for working families."
Adams is also the co-founder and co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus with Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14). She is also co-lead of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act with Underwood. Thanks to the Momnibus provisions included in the Build Back Better Act, the reconciliation bill would permanently expand yearlong postpartum Medicaid and CHIP coverage in every state.
Anissa Caldwell Washington, a member of Adams' Congressional staff, recently returned to work from her maternity leave. She noted how important paid leave was during her post-partum months.
"I can't imagine what the early days of motherhood would have been like without family and medical leave," said Caldwell Washington. "Due to my paid maternity leave benefit, I was able to recover from the injuries and bodily changes caused by childbirth. I was able to become comfortable nursing my daughter. During this time, my husband and I were able to fully dedicate ourselves to nurturing our daughter and adjusting to our new family dynamic. Our daughter is better for it, and I am a stronger parent because I was able to take time off without losing my paycheck or my health insurance."
More information on today's announcement is available here.
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