On July 11, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy held a hearing – “Examining the Importance of Paid Family Leave for American Working Families.” Among the witnesses was Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), who testified that she is working with colleagues Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) on legislation to provide new parents (only) with the option to receive paid leave, in exchange for which their Social Security retirement benefits would be deferred. Another witness was Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), who testified in favor of the FAMILY Act (S. 337), which she sponsored. The FAMILY Act would establish a tax to fund paid leave taken for one’s own illness, birth or adoption, or the care of other family members. A related bill (H.R. 947) has been introduced in the House.
Encourage confidence to act