Democratic Women’s Caucus Joins Department of Labor to Kick Off National Breastfeeding Month with PUMP Act Push

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Communications Co-Chair Rep. Gwen Moore and DWC Member Rep. Val Hoyle, House lead of the AIR PUMP Act, hosted a press call to kick off National Breastfeeding Month (August) and International Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) and highlight new workplace rights available to women because of the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act (“PUMP Act”).

The DWC leaders joined the Department of Labor’s Jessica Looman, Principal Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, and Wendy Chun-Hoon, Director of the Women’s Bureau, to discuss how the PUMP Act helped close loopholes that had left nearly nine million working moms uncovered by federal protections to ensure they have reasonable break time and a private place to pump. During the call, the DOL also announced a national Day of Action on August 1st to ensure employees and employers understand the new law and highlighted the DOL’s ongoing public education and enforcement work.

The DWC leaders also heard from Chelsey Jo Short, a Maryland teacher and member of the National Education Association (NEA), who discussed her experience and how the PUMP Act will help other teachers across the country by extending protections to educators.

“Breastfeeding gives babies vital nutrients and provides long-term health benefits. I support making breastfeeding more accessible to every working mother - whether it’s my own granddaughter or another mother in the workplace,” said Rep. Gwen Moore, DWC Communications Co-Chair. “The PUMP Act takes an important step toward securing workplace protections for moms who breastfeed. I am committed to building on this work to support working mothers and families.”

“The Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor is holding a Day of Action, tomorrow, August 1 to launch the “Power to Pump,” a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of protections for millions of additional workers to express milk as nursing mothers. We encourage people to come to the Wage and Hour Division if they have questions about Pumping at Work,” said Jessica Looman, Principal Deputy Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division

“Pregnant workers shouldn’t have to choose between their health and their job, especially at a time when their income is more vital than ever to ensure the well-being of their family,” said Wendy Chun-Hoon, Director of the Women’s Bureau. “Building equitable workplaces for pregnant, nursing and post-partum workers is essential.  Pregnant and nursing workers should be able to care for their health and their infants’ while continuing to be able to safely earn a family-sustaining income.”     

“Despite obstacles I faced, I was successful in providing breastmilk to my son for the entire first year of his life. However, it would not have been possible if my administration did provide the supports that are outlined in the PUMP Act,” said Chelsey Jo Short, Maryland educator and NEA member. “I am hopeful the PUMP Act will begin to normalize the idea that women do not have to choose between providing breastmilk or working for the first year after giving birth—we can do both. With PUMP Act supports in place, more educators with infants will be able to celebrate their breastfeeding journey while also providing a quality education to our community of students.”

The PUMP Act passed Congress as part of last year’s omnibus funding package and was signed into law by President Biden on December 29, 2022.

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