Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act
Summary
The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act mandates that each medical center within the Department of Veterans Affairs provide a dedicated lactation space. This space must meet specific criteria, including hygiene, privacy, accessibility for disabled individuals, and essential furnishings. The Act also requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure compliance within a specified timeframe and to submit regular reports on the progress of implementation.
The bill amends Title 38 of the United States Code, adding a new section (1720M) to Chapter 17. This section outlines the requirements for lactation spaces and sets deadlines for compliance, with an initial target of 80% compliance within two years and full compliance within three years of enactment.
The Act also includes reporting requirements to keep the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of both the Senate and the House of Representatives informed about the progress of establishing these lactation spaces.
Expected Effects
This act will ensure that women veterans and members of the public have access to suitable lactation spaces in VA medical centers. This will likely increase comfort and support for nursing mothers utilizing VA facilities.
The Department of Veterans Affairs will be required to allocate resources to create and maintain these spaces. This includes modifying existing facilities or constructing new ones to meet the specified criteria.
Regular reports to Congress will ensure accountability and transparency in the implementation process.
Potential Benefits
- Provides dedicated, hygienic, and private spaces for nursing mothers in VA medical centers.
- Supports the health and well-being of both veteran mothers and their children.
- Ensures accessibility for disabled individuals, including those using wheelchairs.
- Increases comfort and convenience for women utilizing VA facilities.
- Promotes a more family-friendly environment within VA medical centers.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with creating and maintaining lactation spaces in all VA medical centers.
- Possible logistical challenges in finding suitable space within existing facilities.
- May require reallocation of resources from other VA programs or services.
- The act does not address enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance beyond reporting requirements.
- Possible delays in implementation due to bureaucratic processes or funding constraints.
Constitutional Alignment
The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to improve the well-being of veterans and their families by providing necessary facilities. While the Constitution does not explicitly address lactation spaces, the Act falls under Congress's power to legislate for the benefit of specific groups, such as veterans.
Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.
The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).