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Paid Family Leave Bill Clears the Senate, 61-39

The measure now heads to a conference committee before a final vote expected next month.

By Editorial Staff · September 19, 2026

The Senate voted 61-39 on Thursday to advance a bill establishing twelve weeks of federally guaranteed paid family leave, sending the measure to a House-Senate conference committee tasked with reconciling differences between the two chambers’ versions.

Seven senators crossed party lines to support the bill. The conference committee has 30 days to produce a unified text before it returns for a final vote in both chambers.

This is a factual report on the day’s vote. Our analysis of what the bill would actually change, and a separate opinion column, run alongside it — clearly labeled as such.