Katko’s bipartisan TSA workplace bill supporting parents passes House

The U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 30 approved a bipartisan bill offered by U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) that would revise personnel policies at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The U.S. Senate received the measure on Oct. 1 and referred it for consideration to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

“With the passage of this bill, we are taking a meaningful step to ensure working parents have the necessary accommodations and protections to continue safely and comfortably working for the TSA,” Rep. Katko said on Oct. 2.

The TSA Workplace Improvement Act of 2020, H.R. 5811, which Rep. Katko sponsored in February with lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA), would provide TSA employees with 12 weeks of paid parental leave and would ensure access to designated nursing facilities in the workplace, according to a bill summary released by Rep. Katko’s office.

“No mother or father should have to choose between their job and being a parent,” said Rep. Katko. “That’s why, in Congress I’ve proudly led efforts to support working parents, including policies that ensure access to paid parental leave and necessary protections for pregnant workers.”

House passage of H.R. 5811 continues Rep. Katko’s work across party lines to advance commonsense measures that support working parents and expectant mothers, according to his office.

For example, the congressman in September announced House passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, H.R. 2694, for which he is the lead cosponsor with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). The bill would require employers to make reasonable accommodations, such as a minor job modification, that would allow pregnant workers to continue working and prevent them from being forced out on leave or out of their jobs. The bill is also under consideration in the Senate.