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S 778

Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act

119th Congress Introduced by Lisa Murkowski and 1 co-sponsor

The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act mandates lactation areas in all VA medical centers, enhancing support for women veterans and the public's breastfeeding needs.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 778

Summary of S. 778 - Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act

Purpose and Intent

The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act (S. 778) aims to enhance the support provided to women veterans and the general public by mandating the establishment of lactation spaces in all medical centers operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This legislation recognizes the importance of providing hygienic and private areas for breastfeeding and expressing milk, thereby promoting the health and well-being of mothers and their infants.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important provisions:

  1. Lactation Space Requirement:

    • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to ensure that each VA medical center includes a designated lactation space.

  2. Definition of Lactation Space:

    • A lactation space must be:
      • Hygienic and not located in a bathroom.
      • Shielded from view and free from intrusion.
      • Accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.
      • Equipped with a chair and a working surface.
      • Clearly marked with signage and easy to locate.
      • Available for use by women veterans and the public to express breast milk.

  3. Compliance Timeline:

    • The Secretary must ensure that at least 80% of VA medical centers comply with the lactation space requirement within two years of the bill's enactment.
    • Full compliance across all medical centers is mandated within three years of enactment.

  4. Reporting Requirements:

    • The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit annual reports to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs detailing:
      • Which medical centers currently have lactation spaces.
      • Which do not, along with plans and timelines for establishing these spaces.

Affected Parties

  • Women Veterans: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation, as it provides them with necessary facilities to support breastfeeding.
  • General Public: Members of the public visiting VA medical centers will also have access to these lactation spaces.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs: The VA will be responsible for implementing these changes and ensuring compliance.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Passed Senate: November 9, 2025, by unanimous consent.
  • Next Steps: A message regarding Senate action has been sent to the House for further consideration.

Conclusion

The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act represents a significant step towards improving maternal support within the VA healthcare system. By establishing lactation spaces, the bill aims to create a more accommodating environment for women veterans and the public, promoting health and wellness for mothers and their children.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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