16 Jul 2026 BPC Action Applauds Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Expand Paid Leave Access in Paid Parental Leave

Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action applauds the introduction of legislation that will expand and improve paid leave benefits, help strengthen the economy, and support American families. 

In April 2025, House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group co-chairs Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) introduced the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) Act and the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act, the product of more than two years of bipartisan work. The introductions built on discussion drafts the working group released in December 2024, after soliciting feedback from stakeholders, experts, and the broader community. 

In July 2026, Sens. John Boozman (R-AR) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act in the Senate. Together, these introductions represent years of leadership from members on both sides of the aisle to help more families access paid leave.  

House and Senate policymakers continue building bipartisan momentum around paid family leave, reflecting sustained collaboration across the aisle and across chambers.. 

They are also meeting an immediate and growing national need: a majority of private sector workers still lack access to essential caregiving benefits. Voters across the political spectrum want that fixed, and a new BPC Action – American Policy Ventures poll, in partnership with Cygnal, shows that over 86% of voters supporting voluntary, employer-provided PFML programs. These bills give working families what they need and mark a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency of paid leave programs nationwide:  

• The Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) Act creates a formal multistate network to help states coordinate paid family and medical leave programs, offering technical assistance and best practices so workers and employers aren’t stuck navigating a patchwork of state laws. This legislation incorporates Bipartisan Policy Center recommendations and feedback gathered during the draft phase to ensure greater state coordination. 

• The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act uses a competitive grant program to incentivize states to build paid family leave programs through public-private partnerships—expanding access, encouraging innovation, and requiring participating states to plug into the I-PLAN framework. 

BPC Action President Michele Stockwell commended bills’ introduction in both chambers. Read her statements of support: 

July 2026: 

“The introduction of the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act in the Senate marks a pivotal moment for working families across America. This bill cuts through the confusing patchwork of state-paid family and medical leave laws, making it easier for workers to access these benefits when they need them most. Too many Americans lack access to paid leave. While more than 70 percent of young children live in households where both parents work, only 27 percent of employers offer paid leave benefits. This bill helps more families access this necessary support, which is why BPC Action applauds Sens. John Boozman (R-AR) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for their leadership. We also commend the House and Senate Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Groups for the collaboration that made this milestone possible.” 

April 2025: 

“While the rise in state-level paid family leave laws has provided access to this critical benefit for millions of workers, the distinct requirements of each program present compliance challenges for multistate employers. BPC Action is proud to endorse the I-PLAN Act and the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act to improve the efficiency of existing paid family and medical leave programs, help establish new paid family leave programs, and promote greater uniformity across states. We commend the House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group, chaired by Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), for their leadership and commitment to addressing this issue that impacts so many Americans.” 

BPC Action is encouraged by this cross-party, cross-chamber momentum and applauds these members’ ongoing commitment to advancing bipartisan paid family leave solutions in the 119th Congress.