Obama pushes family-friendly policies ahead of Mother's Day

President Obama is urging Congress to act on a bevy of family-friendly workplace policies -- like instituting paid maternity leave -- just a day before the nation celebrates Mother's Day.

"We ask our mothers to do more than their fair share of just about everything," Mr. Obama said in a video released Saturday. "Making sure they're treated fairly is the least we can do."

Among other programs, the president emphasized the need to ensure women were given equal pay, access to health care, sick leave, accommodations if they're pregnant and "a decent minimum wage."

"Through deeds that match our words, let's give mothers the respect they deserve, give all women the equality they deserve and give all parents the support they need in their most important roles," he said.

The president, reminding Congress of its resolution more than a century ago cementing Mother's Day as a national holiday, pushed for legislative recognition of these family policies.

"If Congress can make a holiday, surely they can back it up with the things that give it meaning," Mr. Obama said.

The president also gave a shout-out to his wife Michelle, saying thanks for "the remarkable way she does the most important job" of being a mom. He gave a nod to his mother-in-law as well.

"I am incredibly lucky to have women who help me raise, love and look after our girls," he said.

In the Republicans' own video address, Ohio Rep. Steve Chabot celebrated the passing of Small Business Week, touting GOP efforts to prop up Main Street.

"Republicans know there's no effort too big or too small when it comes to encouraging small businesses," Chabot said in a video released Saturday, the close of Small Business Week. "That's why we've done things like making the research and development tax credit permanent, getting rid of the oil export ban, waiving upfront loan fees for veterans who want to be entrepreneurs, strengthening and empowering local small business development organizations."

Chabot, who chairs the House Small Business Committee, slammed "top-down regulations" and higher taxes as policies that "don't inspire confidence."

Instead, the Ohio Republican said, "job creation, innovation and the courage to try and fail until you succeed -- those are the building blocks of a future we can all get excited about."