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Could Paid Family Leave Gain Traction in Congress Next Year?


Earlier this week, Rick Santorum (former Republican Senator from Pennsylvania and Republican presidential candidate) wrote an article in which he advocated for Congress to embrace paid family leave and work to pass a bipartisan bill.  Some might not call this groundbreaking news.  However, it is noteworthy in so much that a (former) major player among Republicans has come out so openly in support of the measure.  (Of course, Santorum does not have the same power/reach that he did several years ago.  Although his stature among Republicans does still give him a voice on critical matters).

Readers will recall that Democrats will retake control of the House of Representatives next year while Republicans will retain control of the Senate.  That means that in order to pass any legislation, it will become imperative for both parties to work together.  As Santorum writes, a paid family leave bill makes sense for working Americans in all areas of the employment field.  He notes that while Democrats have long supported paid family leave, several leading Republicans have started to voice their support as well.  Let us not forget that Republican Senator Marco Rubio has advocated for a paid leave bill for quite some time, as has Ivanka Trump. 

Whether Congress will work together next year on a paid family leave bill remains to be seen.  In the interim, this rising groundswell of support by some Republicans is notable and should be applauded.  Let us see if it sticks.


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