Clinton pushes extra medical leave for families of wounded soldiers

[babylonsister]

Clinton pushes extra medical leave for families of wounded soldiers

Published: Friday, August 3, 2007 - 2:00 am


By Dan Hoover
STAFF WRITER
[e-mail]

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton sought a South Carolina audience Thursday to promote congressional passage of bipartisan legislation to make families of wounded troops eligible for six months of caregiving under the Family Medical Leave Act.

The current 12-week maximum for unpaid leave isn't enough, the Democratic presidential candidate told South Carolina reporters in a conference call from Washington.

"I've seen many examples of family members torn between their jobs and obligations and not feeling as though they've really had the opportunity to be at the bedside for as long as it took," Clinton said.

Joining her on the conference call was state Sen. John Matthews, D-Bowman, who is her state campaign co-chairman and father of three sons with a combined six combat tours in Iraq.

Speaking Wednesday on the Senate floor, Clinton said 12 weeks often isn't enough time "as injured service members grapple with traumatic brain injuries, severe physical wounds and other problems upon returning from Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere."

South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham is a co-sponsor of the bill, along with North Carolina Republican Elizabeth Dole.

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