Gillibrand, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Provide Paid Family, Medical Leave For Federal Employees

Gillibrand, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Provide Paid Family, Medical Leave For Federal Employees

Jul 31, 2026

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) led a group of eight senators in introducing the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act, legislation to expand federal paid leave for federal employees to include 12 weeks of family and medical leave.

"No American should have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for a loved one or themselves," said Senator Gillibrand. "The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act would provide federal employees up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave benefits. I will keep fighting until every American has guaranteed access to comprehensive paid leave."

Currently, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees in the private sector can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a newborn or an ill family member without fear of losing their jobs. For federal employees, family and medical leave continues to be unpaid.

Studies have shown that providing paid leave for federal employees would save the government at least $50 million annually in turnover and replacement costs. With federal agencies struggling to recruit and retain young talent, family-friendly policies are necessary to maintain a robust workforce. Just six percent of the federal workforce is under the age of 30, while roughly 40 percent of the workforce is eligible to retire within the next three years.

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act will guarantee 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for federal employees in all instances covered by the FMLA, including:

1. In order to care for the spouse, child, or parent of the employee, if such spouse, child, or parent has a serious health condition;
2. Because of a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of the employee's position; and
3. Because of any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the spouse, child, or parent of the employee is on covered active duty (or has been notified of an impending call or order to covered active duty) in the Armed Forces.

Senator Gillibrand is the Senate's foremost champion for paid family and medical leave. Earlier this month, she joined Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) to introduce the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act, historic bipartisan legislation that would establish a competitive grant program for states that provide a minimum of six weeks of parental, caregiving, or medical leave. Since 2013, she has also repeatedly introduced the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, which would establish a national program guaranteeing 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for every American.

In addition to Gillibrand, the bill is co-sponsored by Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act is supported by the American Federation of Government Employees, National Treasury Employees Union, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, National Federation of Federal Employees, NARFE, National Association of Letter Carriers, American Postal Workers Union, and American Association of University Women.

"AFGE thanks Senator Brian Schatz for once again championing federal workers and their families by reintroducing the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act. Expanding paid family and medical leave ensures federal employees never have to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one and serving the American people. This legislation will strengthen the federal workforce, improve employee retention, and help the government remain a competitive employer for the dedicated public servants our nation depends on," said Everett Kelley, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees.

"Federal employees should never have to choose between caring for their loved ones and paying their bills on time. The Comprehensive Paid Family Leave Act would provide federal workers with the flexibility and support they need during some of life's most significant moments. As the federal government works to attract and retain talented public servants, providing comprehensive paid family leave is both the right thing to do and a smart investment in the workforce. NTEU is proud to endorse this legislation and appreciates Senator Schatz's continued leadership in advancing policies that strengthen the federal workforce and support working families," said Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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