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Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Mitt Romney (R-UT) introduced the New Parents Act, legislation that creates a voluntary option for paid parental leave by allowing parents to use a portion of their Social Security after the birth or adoption of a child. Specifically, the bill provides parents the flexibility to use their benefits in a way that works best for their household. Many parents, especially those with low incomes, will be able to finance three months of leave, or longer, under the New Parents Act. A one pager of the bill is available here.
 
U.S. Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) introduced companion legislation in the House.
 
“Our economic policies have left young, working families behind at a time when our marriage and childbirth rates are falling. It is time to realign our economic policies in support of American families, which is why I am proud to re-introduce the New Parents Act,” Rubio said. “My legislation does not raise taxes or expand bureaucracy. This option would be available to working and stay-at-home moms and dads alike giving young parents much needed flexibility in how they choose to use their money for their family leave.”
 
“There are only two states where births are outpacing deaths, and one of them is my home state of Utah. That means a lot of Utah families are having children, and it also means added expenses for those families,” Romney said. “In Utah, and throughout the United States, a majority of working parents do not get paid when they take time off from work after the birth or adoption of a child, which can mean depleted savings, credit card debt, and student loan defaults. The New Parents Act will give parents the flexibility to take time off from work with pay during the first weeks of their children’s lives, without growing our national debt, raising taxes, or creating a new entitlement program.”
 
“As a mother, a grandmother, and someone who has employed many new moms and dads, I know that having a baby is both joyous and challenging. We have put forth a responsible paid family leave policy that allows new parents flexibility to spend more time with their children during one of life’s most precious and exceptional moments.  Importantly, this legislation gives new parents the option of paid parental leave without raising taxes or burdening small businesses,” Wagner said.

“It is rare that we get the chance to drastically improve the lives of hard working families with no long-term impact on our budget. By giving families temporary access to future funds when they’re growing their family, we are helping Americans when they need it most. This will be a life-changing option,” Crenshaw said.
 
Background on Rubio Paid Family Leave Efforts
 

• In August 2018, Rubio introduced the Economic Security for New Parents Act, legislation that creates an option for new parents to pull forward a portion of their Social Security to use for paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Many parents, especially those with low incomes, will be able to finance three months of leave or longer with the amount of the benefit, which is transferable between households. A one pager of the bill is available here.
• August 1, 2018: Rubio and Wagner: New parents face the ‘social insecurity’ of our time, so let’s help
• August 2, 2018: Rubio: Helping Our Children Begins the Day They are Born by Giving Parents the Option of Paid Leave
• August 7, 2018: Rubio: Parents Should Be Able to Use Their Own Money to Help Start and Raise a Family
• August 20, 2018: What They’re Saying: Rubio’s Paid Family Leave Plan Is “A Win-Win For Everyone”
• August 30, 2018: Analysis: Urban Study Understates Benefits of Rubio Paid Parental Leave Plan