On April 12, 2023, Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) wrote a letter to Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries informing them of their creation of the Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group. This letter indicated that ensuring paid family leave must be a bipartisan effort, as the future of American families and the workforce is dependent upon its implementation. The group plans to create a national paid family leave policy that is robust and bipartisan throughout this year.
In an article by Mica Soellner, concerns over the extent to which this legislation will garner enough bipartisan support were raised. Soellner says much of the Republican party remains opposed due to the expected cost increases from the program. While there still is some Republican support, paid family leave has historically been a bigger priority for the Democratic party. However, members of the Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group are hopeful that new legislation for paid family leave will pass in this Congress.
By Olivia LaMarco, Policy Intern
