Tester-backed Bipartisan Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act Passes Senate

(U.S. Senate) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester released the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed the Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act-of which he is a cosponsor-to require public buildings to provide a lactation room for nursing mothers.

“Breastfeeding moms have enough to worry about without the stress of searching for a private place to feed their baby,” Tester said. “This is a commonsense solution and a basic, important accommodation that’ll help give new mothers piece of mind, and I’m hopeful the President will sign it in short order.”

The Fairness For Breastfeeding Mothers Act of 2019 requires public buildings that are open to the public and contain a public restroom to provide a lactation room, other than a bathroom, that is hygienic and available for use by members of the public to express milk. The lactation room must be shielded from public view, be free from intrusion, and contain a chair, a working surface, and (if the building is supplied with electricity) an electrical outlet.