Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support for H.R. 5738, as amended, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act introduced by Chairwoman Luria. The purpose of this bill is to ensure that each Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center contain a hygienic lactation space that is not a bathroom. This legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide essential spaces to serve nursing individuals and veteran mothers which are shielded from view, contain a chair and work surface, are free from intrusion, and are accessible to disabled individuals. These spaces should also be easy to locate with clear, identifiable signs, and readily available for veteran moms. This bill is endorsed by numerous veterans service organizations including the National Veterans Legal Services Program, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Women veterans make up the fastest-growing community within the veteran population. In order to adequately meet their needs, VA needs to provide culturally competent care and resources to ensure they will feel comfortable when they seek care at a VA facility. This legislation, which ensures safe, dedicated spaces for lactation, further advances VA's mission to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment at its facilities. Women veterans face many challenges accessing essential VA care benefits.…”