Hinson Co-Leads Bipartisan Bill to Ensure All VA Medical Centers Have Designated Nursing Spaces

January 9, 2026

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) joined Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) to co-lead the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. This legislation ensures that all medical centers managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have private nursing rooms that are accessible for veteran mothers, VA employees, and their families. This bipartisan, bicameral effort is being led by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and passed by unanimous consent in the Senate.

"VA facilities should be fully equipped for breastfeeding moms. Women who proudly served our country or supported a family member who served have already sacrificed so much for us and they deserve private, clean facilities to breastfeed. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort in the House and look forward to ensuring our veteran families receive the support and services they deserve!" — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

“Every mom should be able to breastfeed in a clean, safe, and private space, and our veterans deserve the best. As a nurse, I’m so proud that this bipartisan, bicameral legislation will make sure that VA facilities are properly equipped to support veteran families.” — Congresswoman Lauren Underwood

Background:

This bill requires VA medical centers to have a lactation space and defines what that is: a private, accessible, clean space that is not a bathroom, with a chair and a work surface.
As of 2022, there were only 90 VA medical centers across the country with such designated nursing rooms. Rep. Hinson has been a proud advocate for ensuring moms have access to clean, specified places for breastfeeding.

Bill text can be found here.

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