Friend, I gave birth to my second son, Henry, after putting in a 13-hour day on the floor of the House.

I was proud to work right up until the day I gave birth, but in the months after Henry was born, 13-hour days simply weren't possible. I needed time at home to recover and care for my newborn son. Luckily, as a congresswoman at the time, I had a job that allowed me to take the time I needed to care for myself and my family.

But the fact is, millions of Americans don't have the basic protection of paid leave. Instead, they're forced to make impossible decisions. No working American should have to choose between a paycheck and caring for a loved one, between their job security and taking the time to recover from a serious illness.

We're the only industrialized nation in the world that fails to provide paid family leave. It's far past time that changes.

That's why, ten years ago, I first introduced a bill to create guaranteed paid leave for every single American. Over the years, I've introduced this bill again and again, working hard to build coalitions and fight for progress.

Just a few weeks ago, I raised this issue again. And to enact real change, I need grassroots Americans like you to stand with me. Please, will you add your name to my petition before midnight tonight to show your support for paid family leave?

It's impossible to overstate just how truly transformative this legislation would be for working American families.

We need a comprehensive national paid leave program, providing workers with ample support for family or medical leave. Parents shouldn't have to decide between their paycheck and staying home with their sick child. Workers deserve job security, even if they need to take time off for themselves or care for a loved one.

But that's not all: Studies have shown over and over that paid family leave would actually benefit our economy, making life better for all of us.

Paid leave should be a national priority. And I won't stop fighting until it becomes a reality. Please, will you join me by adding your name to my petition before midni‌ght toni‌ght? I'm counting on 5,000 engaged Democrats to sign on, so your support here would mean so much.

With gratitude and love,

Kirsten