User Clip: Introduction of Bill

In an excerpt from the House, members consider H.R.770, the Family & Medical Leave Act of 1989. Under the measure, federal, state and local government agencies and private businesses with at least 50 employees would have to allow their workers up to 10 weeks of unpaid leave over 2 years to care for newborns or seriously ill children or parents. Employees would also be able to take up to 15 weeks of unpaid medical leave over a 1 year period if they are unable to perform their jobs because of a serious health condition. To be eligible for leave, an employee must have at least one year of service with a company. Employers with fewer than 50 workers would be exempt from the bill's provisions for the first 3 years, and companies with fewer than 35 would be exempt thereafter. Earlier this week, Chief of Staff Sununu reiterated the Bush administration's threat to veto any measure that requires giving time off to workers with newborn babies or for family illness. close