House passes GOP ‘comp time’ bill to allow family time option

The Republican-led House passed the Working Families Flexibility Act, which would give employees a choice between taking time off or being paid time-and-a-half when they work more than 40 hours in a week.

The House passed a Republican-backed overtime bill Tuesday that would give employees who work long hours more time off, though Democrats are concerned it will take a bite out of their paychecks.

The Working Families Flexibility Act passed 229-197.

The overtime bill would give employees a choice between taking time off or being paid time-and-a-half when they work more than 40 hours in a week.

Republicans say this will provide more flexibility for working parents, who would like to spend more time with their families. But Democrats argue low-wage workers who need the extra money could feel pressured to take time off when they would prefer a bigger paycheck.

“As a working mom myself, I understand all too well how challenging it can be to balance career and family,” said Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.), who sponsored the bill.

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