Ernst Urges Congress to Consider Sensible and Effective Parental Leave Solutions

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a mom and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called on Congress to prioritize working together on sensible and effective solutions to paid parental leave that fit the needs of families in Iowa and across the country. Last week, Senator Ernst spoke on the Senate floor in support of her resolution, urging the Conference Committee on the annual defense bill to consider commonsense solutions to paid parental leave. The Ernst-led resolution passed the Senate with bipartisan support. 

“It is well past time that we made paid parental leave a reality in this country. That’s why I’ve urged my colleagues to work together toward effective and sensible solutions that fit the needs of American families and businesses,” said Senator Joni Ernst. “Enabling working moms and dads to spend time with their new baby in those first precious few weeks is something Americans want to see happen, so let’s ensure that Congress is working on behalf of all hardworking parents who need flexibility as they balance their jobs and growing families.”

Background:

Earlier this year, Senator Ernst, along with Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), put forward a commonsense solution to paid parental leave: the CRADLE Act. This proposal allows parents the option to receive one, two, or three months of paid leave, without creating another massive mandated government program or adding to the ever-growing deficit. 

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