Cramer, Murphy, Jones, Braun Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Supporting Diaper Banks

Press Release

U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D), Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), on Tuesday introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the importance of diaper banks across the country. Diapers can be costly, and diaper banks provide them free of charge to families in need. Specifically, the senators acknowledged the important role diaper banks play in the aftermath of natural disasters, including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, the California wildfires, and the floods in the Midwest. The resolution is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Robert Casey (D-Penn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).

National Diaper Bank Network is headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut. In 2017, the more than 300 nonprofit diaper banks and diaper pantries that are members of the National Diaper Bank Network helped more than 225,000 children in need receive diapers.

"I'm proud that Connecticut is home to the National Diaper Bank Network. The work they do with over 300 nonprofits in their network is incredible," said Murphy. "Diapers can be costly, and families shouldn't have to struggle to buy them for their children. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution calling attention to the great work of the National Diaper Bank Network and diaper banks across the country."

"Moved by a strong belief in the dignity of life, public servants across the country have established diaper banks to assist families in need and to help parents in areas recently affected by natural disasters," said Cramer. "These agencies, like Fargo's Great Plains Food Bank, demonstrate how local communities can recognize and collectively resolve to meet the needs of the most vulnerable among us."

"One in three families in Alabama struggles to provide diapers for their children. Diaper bank organizations provide hope and help for families and children in need, and I'm grateful for the work these organizations do in Alabama and across the country," said Jones.

"As a proud father of four, I understand every parents desire to provide for their children," said Braun. "Unfortunately, many American families do not have the means to provide the basic necessities for their children which is why resources, like Diaper Banks, are a great aid in providing families the relief they need to care for their children."

"Diaper need impacts one in three U.S. families who struggles to provide enough diapers to keep their baby clean, dry, and healthy," said National Diaper Bank Network CEO Joanne Goldblum. "Many families simply do not earn enough to purchase the diapers their child needs to stay clean, dry and healthy. In fact, diapers alone can consume up to 14 percent of a low-income parent's post-tax earnings. These situations become even worse in the aftermath of natural disasters. Numerous local diaper banks and committed volunteers across the country tirelessly serve their communities and work to end diaper need, but there is still much more to do. We are grateful for the Senators' leadership and look forward to working with them to ensure that families have what they need to thrive."