A Senate panel approved the controversial Family and Medical Leave Act Tuesday to give workers up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for medical emergencies and pregnancies, despite opposition by Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah and other Republicans.
President Clinton has made the bill a top priority. It passed Congress last year, but was vetoed by former President Bush.The act will provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for an employee for a birth or adoption of a child, or a serious illness of the employee, their child, spouse or parent.
The bill passed the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee by a 13-4 vote.
Hatch said the bill imposes mandated costs to employers that he says will cost jobs. "Every new requirement we impose on business renders American industry less able to adapt to changing economic conditions," he said.