WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Humanity Forward is applauding progress being made by a bipartisan group in both chambers of Congress towards advancing legislation on paid family leave. The group, headed by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), is determined to act on a policy which has had majority support from Americans for fifteen years.

Over that time and several decades prior, the number of women working at least part time outside the home has increased by 50 percent. With the rising cost of living in recent years — perhaps most noticeably, the cost of child care — the need for a policy solution on paid family leave has never been higher.

“We are glad to see ideas percolating on this issue which have a bipartisan group of lawmakers behind them,” said Liam deClive-Lowe, Executive Director for Humanity Forward. “When public opinion and a group like this in both chambers of Congress align so well on an issue like paid family leave, we are determined to do what we can to help.”

On the House side of the group, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK) have held several listening sessions in order to develop a framework for lawmakers to consider. With the Senate group also developing a legislative framework, the work of converting a general agreement into a tangible bill for discussion appears to be underway.

“Our goal is to get something started,” said Senator Gillibrand to the Washington Post. “I feel good if we can get something that’s real paid leave started for a certain number of Americans who would never have access.”