13 Dec 2023 Congressional Paid Leave Working Groups Marks Critical Step in Supporting Workforce Needs in Paid Parental Leave

The Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action) applauds Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) along with Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Krysten Sinema (I-AZ), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) for launching the Senate Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group. With Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) leading the companion House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group alongside Representatives Colin Allred (D-TX), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Haley Stevens (D-MI), Congress is poised to enact durable paid leave policies that support workers, families, and employers.

“The launch of this bipartisan working group is an important step forward to ensure more Americans have access to paid time off to care for themselves and their families,” said BPC Action President Michele Stockwell. “Bipartisan discussions with diverse stakeholders are essential to create durable leave policy that works for both business and families. It’s exciting to see the Senate and House both taking that approach to such an important issue.” 

A recent BPC poll found that, despite gains in labor force participation and low unemployment, nearly 20% of prime-age adults are not working, with 72% of those not in the workforce reporting personal health or family caregiving responsibilities as the primary reasons. Paid family and medical leave stands to play a critical role in supporting employment and retention.