House Education and Labor Committee chairman George Miller says his measure would protect about 50 million workers with no paid sick leave.
Many of those employees work in low-wage jobs in food service and hospitality, where they could make others sick. Miller says those workers shouldn't have to choose between their paychecks and the health of co-workers or customers.
The bill would cover employees in businesses with 15 or more workers. Businesses that already offer at least five days paid sick leave would be exempt.
A hearing will take place this month. Miller plans to seek a quick floor vote.