Members in both houses of Congress like the idea of granting Americans more
time for their families, as evidenced by pending legislation. The Family Time
Flexibility Act (HR 1119), sponsored by Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL) and
the Family Time and Workplace Flexibility Act (S 317), sponsored by Senator
Judd Gregg (R-NH) would both increase the amount of family time available to
employees.
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of choosing time over money, by allowing them to take time off from work in
lieu of overtime pay. Employees would be able to choose to "bank"
up to 160 hours of comp time. The limit could be lower, if the employer so decided,
and overtime worked past the limit would need to be paid as usual.
However, many Democrats oppose the legislation, saying it lacks strong enough
protections against employers forcing workers to choose the comp-time option.
Some Democrats prefer legislation that would expand the Family and Medical Leave
Act.