I’m proud to introduce these two pieces of legislation to make it easier for caregivers to save for retirement.
Give full-time family caregivers up to five additional years of eligibility for the highest catch-up contributions in employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Occurrences
introduced two bipartisan bills that would help family caregivers better save for retirement. These bills, the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act, would help address the financial challenges faced by individuals who leave work to care for loved ones.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow additional catch-up contributions for certain family caregivers.
The Catching Up Family Caregivers Act would: Allow family caregivers additional years of eligibility for the highest catch-up contribution levels in employer-sponsored retirement plans... this bill would allow full-time family caregivers to qualify for up to five additional years of maximum catch-up contributions.
to allow additional catch-up contributions for certain family caregivers
Evidence
Last Action Date Listed April 14, 2026: Ms. Pettersen (for herself and Ms. Salazar) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. Short title: Catching Up Family Caregivers Act of 2026. Full title: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow additional catch-up contributions for certain family caregivers.
Washington, April 16, 2026: Rep. Brittany Pettersen and Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar introduced two bipartisan bills, including the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act, which would help family caregivers better save for retirement. The release says the bills would help address the financial challenges faced by individuals who leave the workforce to care for loved ones.
The Senate Congressional Record on April 14, 2026 references the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act of 2026 and notes the bill in remarks urging support for the legislation.
Assessments
Pettersen introduced the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act of 2026, which directly matches the promise by proposing additional catch-up retirement contributions for family caregivers. The available record only shows introduction, referral to Ways and Means, and public advocacy in April 2026; it does not show committee passage, floor passage, enactment, or implementation. Because she is still in federal office and the 119th Congress is ongoing as of July 1, 2026, the promise has not yet been delivered but is not clearly failed.
Pettersen clearly acted on the promise by introducing the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act of 2026 and publicly advocating for it. However, the evidence only shows bill introduction, referral to committee, and supportive floor remarks; it does not show committee passage, chamber passage, enactment, or any implemented policy giving caregivers the additional retirement-plan catch-up eligibility. Because she has made a serious legislative effort in the current term but the outcome has not yet been achieved and could still change, the best judgment is unresolved rather than delivered or partial.