**A previous version of this bill passed the House in the 116th Congress**

Washington, D.C – Today, the House passed H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, legislation Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) co-sponsored to prohibit employment practices that discriminate against making reasonable accommodations for qualified employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. 

“Our nation’s workforce is strongest when everyone can participate, and our economy performs best when employers treat their employees with the respect and dignity they deserve,” said Rep. Kuster. “I’m proud the House passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act today to ensure pregnant employees have the right to reasonable workplace accommodations. I urge the Senate to swiftly take up this bipartisan bill.”

Specifically, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will make it unlawful for employers to:

–Fail to make reasonable accommodations to known limitations of such employees unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on an entity's business operation;

–Require a qualified employee affected by such condition to accept an accommodation other than any reasonable accommodation arrived at through an interactive process;

–Deny employment opportunities based on the need of the entity to make such reasonable accommodations to a qualified employee;

–Require such employees to take paid or unpaid leave if another reasonable accommodation can be provided; or

–Take adverse action in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment against a qualified employee requesting or using such reasonable accommodations.

Rep. Kuster is a strong advocate for workers and families in Congress. Earlier this year, the House passed the Kuster-backed Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to protect the basic right to join a union. The Kuster-backed American Rescue Plan, which President Biden signed into law earlier this year, included critical support for working families to ensure no one is left behind as we build back from COVID-19.

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