Underwood Secures Commitments from FEMA to Make Breastfeeding Equipment and Support Available during Natural Disasters

WASHINGTON – During an Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) secured commitments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that will make breastfeeding equipment and support more accessible to nursing parents in alignment with her bipartisan Delivering Essentials to Mothers Amid Natural Disasters (DEMAND) Act. The DEMAND Act helps breastfeeding mothers during natural disasters by ensuring that breastfeeding equipment is eligible for FEMA's Individual Assistance program. The program provides financial help and services to communities in the wake of a natural disaster.

In March, Underwood, Representative John Katko (NY-24) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) sent a bipartisan letter to FEMA urging the agency to update its official policy guidance to include lactation equipment and breastfeeding support. The letter also requested the agency update its website with information on what financial assistance is available for parents who need to secure a new breast pump or other necessary equipment, which will clarify FEMA's policy for parents, disaster coordinators, and volunteers on the ground.

During a Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing, Underwood secured commitments from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell that FEMA will take actions included in the DEMAND Act and more. In direct response to Underwood's questioning, FEMA updated its website today to confirm that breastfeeding supplies and support are eligible for assistance, so that parents and emergency management partners have clear, public information on how to feed newborn babies in the wake of a disaster.

FEMA committed to improving its guidance because of Underwood's long-standing efforts to better support nursing families during natural disasters. Criswell also committed to:

• Including breastfeeding equipment and supports in FEMA's Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide update in 2023 to remove inconsistencies. Inconsistencies in FEMA's guidance can be a roadblock for families receiving financial assistance.
• Making information, including one-pagers, about eligible breastfeeding supports available at disaster recovery centers.
• Providing new trainings for FEMA's disaster survivor assistance team about eligible breastfeeding supports so they can assist survivors one-on-one after an emergency.

"During a natural disaster, people are going through some of the hardest days of their lives. But for a breastfeeding mom, it can also mean a loss of equipment critical to feeding a child and maintaining their health," said Underwood. "I'm focused on ensuring nursing parents have the breastfeeding supports they need at all times, especially during a disaster. I'm relieved to see that the commitments I've secured from FEMA will support breastfeeding moms during times of emergency, just as FEMA supports formula feeding."

When families are impacted by disaster, a lost or damaged breast pump can leave parents scrambling to feed their babies. In addition, if a lactating individual cannot pump, they may be predisposed to develop mastitis, infection, and abscess, which can require hospitalization and antibiotics. The DEMAND Act supports families in times of crisis by requiring breastfeeding support as part of FEMA's existing Individual Assistance program. The legislation was introduced by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in the Senate. It is endorsed by the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee, MomsRising, and Medela.

Underwood is working to support families during the infant formula shortage and ensure they can access formula quickly and safely. Underwood sent a letter to the Administration, urging them to use all tools at their disposal to increase formula production. She also pressed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to enact policies that will prevent future shortages.

Underwood voted for the Access to Baby Formula Act, which supports low-income families by ensuring they can continue purchasing safe infant formula with their WIC benefits during a crisis, such as a supply chain disruption or public health emergency. Underwood also voted for the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with resources to help address the current infant formula shortage and prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again.

Full video of Underwood's remarks can be found here.