“We strongly urge Senators this week to vote yes on Sen. Brian Schatz’s motion to include the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (FEPLA) in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference agreement. Passing FEPLA, which was included in the House-passed NDAA in July, is a critical step toward a national paid family and medical leave policy. More than 8 in 10 voters support a comprehensive national paid leave policy and evidence from states with paid leave insurance programs currently in place show that paid leave policies are working well for working people, families and businesses.

As the nation’s largest employer, the federal government can act as a model for the types of policies working people and their families need. Paid leave for federal employees would help the government to attract and retain talented workers, saving taxpayers money while strengthening millions of federal workers. Wednesday’s vote may be the only chance Senators have to vote on paid leave this session. They must take this opportunity to ensure more than 2 million federal employees are able to care for themselves or a loved one without risking their economic security. We will be taking note of who is showing up for working people and their families and who continues to stall progress or simply pay lip service to paid leave.”