Congressional Democrats are moving forward with legislation that would provide six paid weeks of paternal leave for federal employees, looking to capitalize on proposals President Obama made during the State of the Union address. The legislation would extend benefits to new mothers and fathers, as well as those who adopt or take in a foster child. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY, the bill’s chief sponsor, said access to paid leave would keep federal employees from having to leave their jobs after the birth of a child, cutting down on training costs and increasing productivity in the long run. "It provides work-family balance and support for families, which I believe both sides of the aisle are deeply committed to achieving," she said. Under current law, federal employers must allow 12 weeks of unpaid leave, and only 13 percent of U.S. workers (government or otherwise) are given any sort of paid leave after childbirth.