Contact Congress about S. 2823: FAMILY Act
Workers could get part of their pay when they take approved family or medical leave. A new Social Security office would run the program and set payment rules. The bill also protects many workers from losing their job or health coverage for using the leave.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
FAMILY Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Latest action on S. 2823: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects workers who need paid time off for a serious health issue, a new child, caring for family, or safety needs after violence. It also affects employers, because they would have new job protection and anti-retaliation rules to follow. States with paid leave programs would have to decide how to keep their systems aligned with the federal program. The Social Security Administration would have to build and run the new benefit system.
Why this matters: Many workers still lose income when they need time off for major family, health, or safety needs. This bill would create a national paid leave floor, so access would not depend only on an employer or state program. It could make leave easier to use, especially for workers without paid leave now. The full cost and funding plan are not clear from the provided text.
Key provisions in S. 2823
- The bill creates a new Office of Paid Family and Medical Leave inside the Social Security Administration. A Deputy Commissioner would lead it and run the benefit program.
- The bill covers many reasons for leave. These include reasons like the Family and Medical Leave Act, care for many types of family members, and time off tied to domestic, dating, sexual, or other serious violence.
- An eligible person could receive benefits during a 12-month benefit period. The amount would depend on the caregiving hours taken during that year.
- Workers must meet an earnings test to qualify. They need enough wages or self-employment income from the most recent 8 calendar quarters before the benefit period. The threshold starts at $2,000 in 2026 and rises with the national average wage index, which tracks wage growth across the country.
- The monthly payment would be based on the worker’s average monthly earnings. The formula uses three levels: 85%, 69%, and 50%, up to dollar caps that rise with national wages.
How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 2823
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about S. 2823
- What is S. 2823?
- Workers could get part of their pay when they take approved family or medical leave. A new Social Security office would run the program and set payment rules. The bill also protects many workers from losing their job or health coverage for using the leave.
- How do I support or oppose S. 2823?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about S. 2823?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain S. 2823 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
