House Republicans on Tuesday introduced legislation that they say would provide a “free market alternative” to paid family leave proposals.
The Freedom for Families Act — introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) and co-sponsored by 12 Republicans — would allow individuals to use health savings accounts (HSAs) to cover expenses while on leave following a birth, adoption or family member’s illness.
ADVERTISEMENT
The bill would expand the scope of who can obtain an HSA and increase the annual contribution limit. It also would allow employers to make pretax contributions into employee accounts for the purposes of paid leave.
“Families already use health savings accounts to save for healthcare expenses. There is no reason why families should not have the freedom to access those funds to pay expenses during family leave for a child’s birth, adoption, or a family illness,” Biggs said in a statement to The Hill. “This proposal provides financial security for families during family leave without new taxes or new federal burdens on employers.”
The measure is co-sponsored by GOP Reps. Ken BuckKenneth (Ken) Robert BuckThe 23 Republicans who voted against the anti-hate resolution House passes anti-hate measure amid Dem tensions GOP lawmakers offer several locations for Trump address MORE (Colo.), Matt GaetzMatthew (Matt) GaetzOcasio-Cortez gets support from surprising source: Matt Gaetz Gaetz says he’s not running for Alabama Senate seat against Doug Jones Overnight Defense: Lawmakers urge Trump not to veto Yemen resolution | Pentagon acknowledges civilian deaths in Somalia for first time | Pompeo ‘confident’ in third North Korea summit MORE (Fla.), Louie GohmertLouis (Louie) Buller GohmertYouTube shuts down comments on House hearing on white nationalism over hateful remarks GOP rep introduces bill marking Cesar Chavez’s birthday as ‘National Border Control Day’ House Dems support GOP push for details on Rosenstein in fight for Mueller report MORE (Texas), Paul GosarPaul Anthony GosarGOP lawmaker attacks critic as ‘a little bitch’ on Twitter Overnight Defense: NATO chief urges US to support alliance on its 70th anniversary | Turkey rebuffs Pentagon pressure over Russia deal | Rand Paul, liberals team up to push Trump on Syria withdrawal Rand Paul teams up with Ocasio-Cortez, Omar to press Trump on Syria withdrawal MORE (Ariz.), Glenn GrothmanGlenn S. GrothmanSeven Republicans vote against naming post office after ex-Rep. Louise Slaughter How to keep government running when lawmakers fail to do their job Dems seek to rebuild blue wall in Rust Belt contests MORE (Wis.), Mark MeadowsMark Randall MeadowsIt’s time to make smart changes to federal disaster response protocol Overnight Health Care: Oversight Republicans accuse Dems of partisan drug pricing probe | Democrats struggle to unite behind drug price plan | CDC investigating E. coli outbreak Oversight Republicans accuse Cummings of partisan drug pricing probe MORE (N.C.), Debbie Lesko (Ariz.), Ralph NormanRalph Warren NormanTrump says Navy SEAL charged with war crimes will be moved to ‘less restrictive confinement’ House conservatives ask Trump to declassify documents underlying Mueller investigation South Carolina New Members 2019 MORE (S.C.), Jody HiceJody Brownlow HicePark Service defends funds used to stay open during shutdown House Republicans can force a Green New Deal vote too — here’s how GOP rep says being in the minority will make it difficult for Republicans to probe Russia investigation MORE (Ga.), John JoyceJohn JoyceLet’s get realistic about curing our health care system MORE (Pa.), Mark WalkerBradley (Mark) Mark WalkerThe Hill’s Morning Report – GOP balks at Trump border closure GOP lawmaker Mark Walker ensnared in federal corruption probe GOP lawmaker optimistic NCAA bill will be signed into law this year MORE (N.C.) and Ron WrightRonald (Ron) WrightThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Dems aim to end anti-Semitism controversy with vote today MORE (Texas).
The GOP bill comes on the heels of a measure introduced by House Democrats that would guarantee federal employees 12 weeks of paid family leave.
Sens. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioSecrecy behind Saudi nuclear talks infuriates Congress The Hill’s Morning Report – Can Joe Biden turn the page? Hillicon Valley — Presented by CTIA and America’s wireless industry — House panel approves bill restoring net neutrality | FTC asks for more help to police tech | Senate panel advances bill targeting illegal robocalls MORE (R-Fla.) and Mitt RomneyWillard (Mitt) Mitt Romney’Never’ comes tomorrow, and so will Trump’s tax returns Obama had it right — a circular firing squad is on the way Cain’s nomination faces uphill climb MORE (R-Utah) recently unveiled a measure that would allow parents to utilize a portion of their future Social Security benefits to finance family leave. A companion bill was introduced by Reps. Ann WagnerAnn Louise WagnerTop GOP lawmaker moves to force floor vote on abortion bill This week: Senate GOP prepares to change rules on Trump nominees GOP on defensive over Dem votes on policies geared toward women MORE (R-Mo.) and Dan CrenshawDaniel CrenshawOn The Money: Trump Fed pick owes K to IRS, government claims | Dems seeking Trump financial info going back 10 years | GOP bill links paid parental leave to Social Security | Pentagon transfers B for wall GOP lawmakers offer paid parental leave legislation linked to Social Security The Memo: Trump can’t let go of McCain grudge MORE (R-Texas) in the House.
President TrumpDonald John TrumpTop senators warn Turkey: Choose between Russia missile system or US fighter jet Former Michelle Obama aide: ‘Not sure’ if voters got ‘honesty and accountability’ in Biden’s video response How Republicans are battling judicial obstructionism today MORE’s budget proposal for 2020 calls for six weeks of paid parental leave, and a handful of states already have paid family-leave programs on the books.