On April 30, a bipartisan bill to establish a federal paid family leave program was introduced by Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). The bill creates a three-year pilot grant program within the Department of Labor (DOL) aimed at encouraging states to create paid family leave programs using public-private partnerships.

The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act authorizes federal grants to states that have enacted laws establishing a public-private partnership—for example, a program administered in the private sector but with benefits funded by the government. The programs must provide at least six weeks of paid leave for a birth or adoption under the Family Medical Leave Act. The program must also provide for certain benefit levels: at least 67 percent of wage replacement for individuals at or below the federal poverty level for a family of four or 50 percent wage replacement for individuals earning more than double the poverty level for a family of four. The benefit would have to capped at 150 percent of a state’s average weekly wage.

In addition, states receiving the grants would have to participate in the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network, which would establish best practices for paid family leave programs.

The bill would authorize $500 million—$265 million for the grants themselves, and $235 million for the paid leave network. The bill contains offsets, all of which are cuts to spending in other federal programs.

Prospects: This bill is innovative—and complicated. It is also bipartisan and has been well vetted with both Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate, its sponsors say. It is paid for, although the jury is still out about how controversial the pay-fors may turn out to be. There is wide bipartisan interest in addressing paid family leave issues. So, while it is unlikely the bill can pass any time soon, it is possible it will catch lawmakers’ interest after Congress resolves its current priority issues (largely, the reconciliation bill and then fiscal year (FY) 2026 government funding).

NAIFA Staff Contacts: Diane Boyle – Senior Vice President – Government Relations, at dboyle@naifa.org; or Jayne Fitzgerald – Director – Government Relations, at jfitzgerald@naifa.org; or Mike Hedge – Senior Director – Government Relations, at mhedge@naifa.org.