Lois Capps: “I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight one provision of this National Defense…”

“I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight one provision of this National Defense Authorization Act that hasn't gotten much attention but that will make an important difference in the lives of many new moms who happen to be in the military. Over the years I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to make our military and veterans' health care programs more responsive to the unique needs of women. Far too many barriers to optimal health care remain, and that is why I am so pleased that my TRICARE Moms Improvement Act was incorporated into this bill. Health care providers overwhelmingly recommend that new moms exclusively breast-feed their infants. But we know that despite their good intentions, far too many women who want to breast-feed their babies find the cost of lactation supplies and the lack of support to be a barrier to that choice. And while most women covered by private insurance do have access to these services, women with TRICARE do not. My TRICARE Moms Improvement Act included in this year's defense authorization bill would end that disparity and that discrepancy. We must do all we can to support our servicemembers and their families, and this is one small but meaningful way to do just that.”