Unite and Conquer: Senate and House Forge Bipartisan Push for Paid Leave

As the United States continues to struggle with the economic effects of the pandemic, many workers have found themselves without work and without a secure income. Legislators in both the House and Senate have joined forces in a bipartisan effort to support an economic recovery by advancing paid leave as part of the next COVID-19 relief package. The bipartisan legislative measure, known as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, was recently introduced by Senators Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Mitt Romney (R-UT). The purpose of this bill is to provide a financial cushion to workers that have had to take temporary leave due to the pandemic. Under the proposal, those workers would be eligible for up to two weeks of 100 percent wage replacement. The bill would also expand last month’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which included government-funded sick leave. It would extend the aid to other qualified workers, such as those in the gig or freelance economy. The measure has been applauded by members of both parties in Congress. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), for example, noted that this type of relief was needed to ensure that all Americans can access the economic security they need during this difficult time. Republican Leader Senator McConnell (R-KY) echoed that sentiment, adding that it was essential to pass measures that protect the economic well-being of all Americans. The legislation is expected to pass both Chambers soon, and President Trump has already expressed his support for the bill. Should the measure become law, all workers in the US, regardless of their employment status, could receive up to two weeks’ pay if they have had to take leave time due to the pandemic. This paid leave could be crucial in helping Americans make ends meet during this difficult time. The introduction of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act is an excellent example of bipartisanship in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. With additional support from the White House, it is likely that this measure will become law in the very near future. We can only hope that it provides much needed security to those that need it most.