Army Chief of Staff Responds to Tsongas Request: Agrees to Review Breastfeeding Rules

Press Release

In a letter to Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-3), the Army announced that it will conduct a thorough review of its practices for nursing mothers to ensure they have protections that are in line with the policies of other services. Tsongas championed recent legislation that would require the U.S. Army to develop a comprehensive policy regarding breastfeeding.

The Army, unlike the other services, does not have a standard policy to which breastfeeding mothers can refer. Rep. Tsongas' legislation was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was passed by the House last month. Tsongas' legislation called for the Army to create a policy that, at minimum, designates a private, clean area with electrical outlets for expressing milk, and an allowance for breaks. The amendment would give the Army flexibility to determine many specifics.

On June 2, Rep. Tsongas sent a letter to Army Chief of Staff General Raymond Odierno requesting the Army adopt this measure.

Rep. Tsongas received a response letter this month from General Odierno, stating that the Army will review its current practice regarding nursing mothers and inquire with the other services as to best practices.

"On many issues involving the full integration of women in the military, the Army has been at the forefront," Rep. Tsongas said. "General Odierno has supported the removal of the ban on women in combat and Special Forces and many of the latest efforts to combat sexual assault. I have always appreciated his frank and open communication, and I certainly appreciate his willingness to pursue a breastfeeding policy. Action on this front would bolster the needs of Army moms and I look forward to working with General Odierno and his team."

In his letter, which is attached to this release, General Odierno wrote: "The Army is currently in the process of conducting a thorough review of this policy. We will work with the other services to understand best practices."

Rep. Tsongas has long advocated on behalf of the growing number of women in the military, taking a leading national role on critical issues such as women's health, gender-specific body armor and gear, the epidemic of sexual assault within the armed forces, and more. She sees the breastfeeding issue as an example of a broader problem within the military, where equality is not yet a reality.

"Supporting military women is essential to building the strongest military possible," Rep. Tsongas said. "From a practical standpoint, the Army spends millions of dollars training women to do a job. Without adequate support, resources and health care options, many women may choose to leave the military at the end of their enlistments, denying the military their talents. As more doors open to servicewomen and a greater talent pool is tapped, the military must find ways to support all those who wear the uniform. There is much work to do but an Army breastfeeding policy symbolizes a step towards a more equitable military. It would help dedicated American servicewomen to be the best mothers and the best soldiers that they can be."

Rep. Tsongas was recently appointed by Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner to serve as a conferee to the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Committee. The Conference Committee, comprised of appointees from both parties and both chambers, reconciles the differences between the Senate and House drafts of the bill.

Rep. Tsongas, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, also serves as co-chair of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus and the Air Force Caucus.

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