New moms and dads who work for the legislative branch are closer to having some paid time off after the birth or adoption of a child.

[IMGCAP(1)]The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday voted 21-10 to pass legislation that would give new parents four weeks of guaranteed paid parental leave. The bill, introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and co-sponsored by Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Oversight ranking member Tom Davis (R-Va.), now heads to the House floor.

Legislative branch employees currently receive 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Maloney’s bill also would allow workers to use accumulated paid time off up to the 12-week mark.

Supporters of the measure argue it is an incentive for federal workers to continue serving the government, as the private sector often offers higher yearly salaries.

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