A Senate committee approved a bill on Tuesday requiring employers to give up to 12 weeks leave to workers to enable them care for a new or sick baby or an ill family member.
The measure was approved by the Labor and Human Resources Committee on a 13-4 vote. Similiar legislation had been twice vetoed by former President Bush on the grounds that it would be a burden on business, but President Clinton has strongly endorsed the bill and is expected to sign it.With Clinton's assumption of the presidency, the Family and Medical Leave Bill was the first of a number of measures opposed by Bush that now get a new lease of life.
The bill, first introduced seven years ago, would require employers to give up to 12 weeks unpaid leave to workers to cope with medical and family emergencies, such as a new baby or sick relative, while ensuring job security. The legislation would apply only to firms employing at least 50 workers.
Some Republicans are proposing an alternative that would use tax credits to encourage firms to provide family leave.