Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act

Bill Number: S. 778
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
Status: Passed Senate
Latest Action: 2025-11-12: Held at the desk.
Last Updated: 2026-07-08T16:36:49Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act" (S. 778) aims to support breastfeeding by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide dedicated spaces in its medical centers for women veterans and the public to express breast milk. This enhances accessibility and privacy for nursing mothers using VA facilities.

Key Provisions

Mandate for Lactation Spaces: Each VA medical center must include a "lactation space," defined as a clean, private area (not a bathroom) that is shielded from view, free from interruptions, accessible to people with disabilities (including wheelchair users), equipped with a chair and work surface, easy to find, clearly marked with signs, and available for expressing breast milk.
Access Restrictions: The law does not permit unauthorized entry into VA medical centers or restricted areas.
Implementation Timeline: The VA Secretary must ensure 80% of medical centers comply within two years of enactment, and all centers comply within three years.
Reporting Requirements: The VA must submit annual reports to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs for at least one year (and until full compliance), detailing:
Which centers have lactation spaces.
Which do not, including plans and timelines for adding them.
Legislative Addition: Amends title 38 of the U.S. Code (which governs veterans' benefits) by adding a new section (1720M) under subchapter II of chapter 17.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This act introduces a new federal requirement for VA medical centers to provide lactation spaces, which was not previously mandated. It builds on existing VA health care provisions by specifically addressing breastfeeding support, without altering other aspects of veteran medical services.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The VA will need to invest in designing, constructing, or retrofitting spaces in its medical centers, potentially involving costs for facilities and signage. This could improve overall patient-centered care but requires administrative oversight through reporting to Congress.
On Citizens: Women veterans, particularly mothers, and members of the public visiting VA facilities will gain better access to private, supportive environments for breastfeeding, promoting health and comfort. It may encourage more family-inclusive use of VA services.
On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the law focuses solely on domestic VA operations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for implementation, compliance, and reporting.
Women Veterans and Families: Primary beneficiaries, especially nursing mothers seeking VA health care.
General Public: Includes non-veterans who may accompany patients or use VA facilities.
Congressional Committees on Veterans' Affairs: Oversee progress through required reports.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Aligns with broader federal efforts to support breastfeeding (e.g., under the Fair Labor Standards Act's pumping accommodations) and accessibility laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), by mandating disability-friendly spaces. No conflicts with existing VA entry or privacy rules.
Constitutional: No significant issues; it falls under Congress's authority to regulate veterans' benefits (Article I, Section 8) and promotes equal access without infringing on rights.
Political: Highlights bipartisan support for veteran family welfare, potentially setting a precedent for gender-specific health accommodations in federal facilities. The phased timeline and reporting ensure accountability without immediate full burden on the VA.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]

Cosponsors (1)

Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]

Recent Actions

2025-11-12: Held at the desk.
2025-11-12: Received in the House.
2025-11-10: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
2025-11-09: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8036; text: CR S8036)
2025-11-09: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
2025-10-22: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 200.
2025-10-22: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
2025-10-22: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
2025-07-30: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
2025-05-21: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-86.
2025-02-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
2025-02-27: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act — issued 2025-11-09 — PDF (6 pages)
Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (3 pages)
Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act — issued 2025-10-22 — PDF (8 pages)