The USBC mobilizes action on administrative and policy opportunities that can help create a landscape of breastfeeding support across the United States.

​Can't find the resource you're looking for? Email [email protected] for help.

2025
Welcome 119th congress sign-on letter

February 2025

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee coordinated an organizational sign-on letter welcoming the new Congress and educating them on the policy changes breastfeeding families need most. This joint letter provides a roadmap for policymakers to advance support for breastfeeding this session and will be delivered to all 535 Senators and Representatives. USBC Member Organizations from grassroots to treetops, and from coast to coast signed on to the letter, which was delivered to each and every member of the 119th Congress on February 20, 2025.
Protecting Infant Nutrition Security: Shifting the Paradigm on Breastfeeding to Build a healthier Future for all Americans

February 2025

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) published "Protecting Infant Nutrition Security: Shifting the Paradigm on Breastfeeding to Build a Healthier Future for all Americans," a policy memo developed by the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee as part of the Day One Project. The project aims to bring forward bold policy ideas, grounded in science and evidence, that tackle the country's biggest challenges and bring us closer to a prosperous, equitable, and safe future. The USBC policy memo outlines some of the challenges contributing to suboptimal breastfeeding rates and provides a plan of action for the federal government to take steps to address these challenges. 
2024​
USBC SUBMITS COMMENT TO THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)

August 2024

  • The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee submitted a comment to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in response to the public comment opportunity on proposed revisions to the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG), Version 5.  FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program provides funds to assist communities after a federally declared disaster or emergency. The PAPPG is used to evaluate funding eligibility under the PA program. The USBC response encourages FEMA to expand the definitions of durable medical equipment and consumable medical supplies to include lactation and infant feeding supplies and to include breastfeeding and lactation as functional needs. These changes would allow reimbursement for the provision of lactation support and supplies during emergencies.
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER TO THE LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE TO DIRECT $20 MILLION TO THE CDC HOSPITALS PROMOTING BREASTFEEDING LINE ITEM IN FISCAL YEAR 2025

May 2024

  • The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee delivered an organizational sign-on letter calling for increased funding for the CDC Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding line item to House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Subcommittee members. The letter, signed by 131 organizations, calls for the committee to direct $20M to the Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding program. This funding level, $10.25M above Fiscal Year 2024, represents a critical course correction in national investment in the health, safety, and well-being of infants and young children. We will continue to accept additional signers on the letter in preparation for delivery to the full House and Senate Appropriations Committees in the coming months. 
USBC SUBMITS COMMENT ON REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON PAID LEAVE

​​January 2024

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee submitted a comment to a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional working group in response to their request for information (RFI) on paid leave. The USBC comment highlights the importance of establishing guaranteed, federally protected access to paid family and medical leave, specifically pointing to the impact of paid leave on breastfeeding success and more broader maternal and child health outcomes.
USBC REQUEST URGING THE WHITE HOUSE TO INVEST IN BREASTFEEDING IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 PRESIDENT’S BUDGET

​​January 2024

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee submitted a budget request to the Office on Management and Budget, urging the White House to prioritize breastfeeding in the Fiscal Year 2025 President’s Budget. To ensure that families receive the support that they need to safely feed their babies, the letter calls on the White House to include robust funding for several programs and initiatives in the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding program, Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program, and Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country (GHWIC) program; funding to establish a national paid family and medical leave program; and full funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.

2023
USBC COMMENT FOR COVERAGE OF OVER THE COUNTER PREVENTATIVE SERVICES

​November 2023

​The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee submitted a comment to the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury in response to the request for information (RFI) regarding the application of the preventive services requirements under section 2713 of the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act) to over-the-counter (OTC) preventive items and services available without a prescription by a health care provider. The USBC comment highlights the public health and economic potential for policy shifts to better support breastfeeding, common experiences families face as they seek to access lactation supplies through their insurance, and proposes additional considerations.
USBC LETTER FOR THE RECORD FOR SENATE HEARING ON PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

November 2023

The Senate Committee on Finance hosted a committee hearing: "Exploring Paid Leave: Policy, Practice, and Impact on the Workforce," on Wednesday, October 25. The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee submitted a letter for the record demonstrating how a national paid family and medical leave program can help the United States increase breastfeeding rates and reduce health disparities. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit a letter for the record through Wednesday, November 8. Find instructions on submitting a letter on the hearing webpage. ​
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON PROPOSED PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT REGULATIONS

October 2023

​The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released proposed regulations on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) to define how the law is enforced. The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee submitted extensive comments on the legal considerations, information on common challenges faced by lactating employees, and important public health considerations.
​ACCESS TO DONOR MILK ACT SIGN-ON LETTER

October 2023

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee-affiliated Pasteurized Donor Human Milk Constellation delivered the joint letter calling on Congress to prioritize the Access to Donor Milk Act to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and House Committee on Education and the Workforce. The letter is signed by 199 organizations and was bolstered by more than 500 individuals who contacted their legislators about this important legislation. The bipartisan Access to Donor Milk Act (S. 2819/H.R. 5486) would strengthen the national infrastructure for pasteurized donor human milk banks and help protect infant nutrition security. Additional organizational signers will be added to the letter on an ongoing basis and will be included in future deliveries to Congress. Add your organization to the letter today! ​
USBC COMMENT ON NASEM COMMITTEE EXAMINING INFANT FORMULA REGULATION

​September 2023

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee submitted comments to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on the composition of the ad hoc committee tasked with completing a project titled "Challenges in Supply, Market Competition, and Regulation of Infant Formula in the United States." The project will examine and report on characteristics of the U.S. infant formula market, challenges in supply or market competition, differences in infant formula marketed in the United States and infant formula marketed in the European Union, and other related information. The committee will produce a report of its findings, conclusions, and recommendations on measures to address supply and market competition in the United States. The USBC comments raise concerns about the conflict of interest of several appointed members, note the lack of representation from parent advocacy organizations and breastfeeding experts, and provide recommendations of individuals and organizations that should be considered for the committee. 
​USBC COMMENTS ON FEMA POST DISASTER GUIDE

March 2023

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released a call for public comments on a draft version of "Achieving Equitable Recovery: A Post Disaster Guide for Local Officials." The USBC submitted comments noting that infant and young child feeding is absent from the draft guide and urging FEMA to expand efforts to include infant nutrition security. 
​WELCOME 118TH CONGRESS SIGN-ON LETTER

February 2023​

The USBC coordinated an organizational sign-on letter welcoming members of the 118th Congressional Session and urging them to prioritize breastfeeding. The letter calls on Congress to advance five policy priorities identified by the USBC and membership: federal funding for breastfeeding, infant nutrition security, access to lactation support & supplies, workplace protections, and maternity care. The letter was signed by 83 international, national, and tribal organizations and 202 regional, state, and local organizations. ​
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER TO THE LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE TO DIRECT $20 MILLION TO THE CDC HOSPITALS PROMOTING BREASTFEEDING LINE ITEM IN FISCAL YEAR 2024

July 2023

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee coordinate an organizational sign-on letter calling for increased funding for the CDC Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding line item in the Fiscal Year 2024 Labor, Health And Human Services, Education, And Related Agencies spending bill. The letter, signed by 177 organizations, calls for the committee to direct $20M to the Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding program. This funding level, $10.25M above Fiscal Year 2023, represents a critical course correction in national investment in the health, safety, and well-being of infants and young children.  

2022
USBC-AFFILIATED PASTEURIZED DONOR HUMAN MILK SIGN-ON LETTER URGING SUPPORT FOR THE ACCESS TO DONOR MILK ACT

​December 2022

The USBC-affiliated Pasteurized Donor Human Milk (PDHM) Constellation coordinated a joint letter to House leadership calling for support of the Access to Donor Milk Act (ADMA) 2022. The letter urges support for this bill to increase access to lifesaving donor milk. The letter was signed by 90 organizations.
TITLE IX LACTATION COALITION SIGN-ON LETTER

September 2022

The USBC-affiliated Workplace Support Constellation, led by The Pregnant Scholar, coordinated a joint letter for organizations and community leaders in response to proposed regulations from the U.S. Department of Labor on Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the landmark law prohibiting sex discrimination in education. The joint letter celebrates the proposal's recognition of lactation as a pregnancy-related condition and proposed requirements for lactation break time and space, and provides recommendations for further strengthening the Title IX regulations to better support lactating students. The letter was signed by 71 organizations and 69 individuals.
SIGN-ON LETTER CALLING IN SENATORS TO ADVANCE THE PUMP ACT

June 2022

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee, A Better Balance, American Civil Liberties Union, MomsRising, National WIC Association, and WorkLife Law coordinated an organizational sign-on letter urging Senators to cosponsor and swiftly pass the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act (S. 1658). The letter was signed by 82 international, national, and tribal organizations and 175 regional, state, and local organizations. ​
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER CALLING FOR INCREASED FUNDING FOR BREASTFEEDING IN FISCAL YEAR 2023

May 2022

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee delivered a joint letter to Members of Congress in support of federal funding for breastfeeding in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) appropriations process. The letter asks legislators to direct $20M to the CDC Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding program in the FY23 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The letter was signed by 35 international, national, and tribal organizations and 72 regional, state, and local organizations.
USBC-AFFILIATED COVID-19 INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING CONSTELLATION SIGN-ON LETTER URGING SUPPORT FOR THE DEMAND ACT

March 2022

The USBC-affiliated COVID-19 Infant and Young Child Feeding Constellation coordinated an organizational sign-on letter supporting the DEMAND Act of 2022 (Delivering Essentials to Mothers Amid Natural Disasters Act). The DEMAND Act would ensure that lactation support services and supplies are eligible expenses for emergency assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Critical Needs Assistance program. The letter will be delivered to members of the House Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The letter was signed by 37 international, national, and tribal organizations and 61 regional, state, and local organizations. 

2021
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER URGING CONGRESS TO SUPPORT THE PUMP FOR NURSING MOTHERS ACT

June 2021

The USBC coordinated an organizational sign-on letter urging members of the House of Representatives to support the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act, as amended. The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act would extend coverage of the existing Break Time for Nursing Mothers law to an additional 9 million workers and would create a clear mechanism for holding employers accountable when they do not comply. The letter has been signed by a total of 67 international, national, and tribal organizations and 81 regional, state, and local organizations. 
USBC LETTER FOR THE HEARING RECORD ON PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

May 2021

The House Ways and Means Committee hosted a hearing titled "In Their Own Words: Paid Leave, Child Care, and an Economy that Failed Women." The USBC submitted the letter for consideration to be included in the written record for the committee hearing. The USBC letter demonstrates how the establishment of a paid family and medical leave insurance program in the United States would positively impact human milk feeding families and contribute to national efforts to increase breastfeeding rates.​​​
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER HIGHLIGHTING BREASTFEEDING POLICY PRIORITIES FOR THE 117TH CONGRESSIONAL SESSION

May 2021

The joint letter welcomes members of Congress to the 117th Congressional Session and urges them to take action on this session's breastfeeding policy priorities: federal funding for breastfeeding, infant and young child feeding in emergencies, paid family and medical leave, access to breastfeeding support and supplies, and maternity care practices. The letter was signed by 147 organizations. ​
USBC LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE HOUSE MARKUP OF THE PUMP FOR NURSING MOTHERS ACT

May 2021

The House Education & Labor Committee held a markup on the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act and Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act. The USBC submitted a letter of support to all committee members urging members of Congress to support the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act. ​
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER TO HOUSE AND SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEES TO INCREASE FUNDING TO $20 MILLION TO CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION (CDC) HOSPITAL & CONTINUITY OF CARE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT IN FISCAL YEAR 2022

April 2021

The USBC coordinated an organizational sign on letter urging support for $20M for the CDC Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding Program in fiscal year 2022, an increase of $10.5M from the FY2021 enacted level. The letter highlighted the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the initiation and duration of breastfeeding and identified the critical role that CDC funding plays in long-term pandemic relief and chronic disease prevention. The letter has been signed by a total of 199 organizations: 68 international, national, and tribal organizations and 131 regional, state, and local organizations. USBC delivered the letter to leadership of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies. ​
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER URGING CONGRESS TO SUPPORT THE PUMP FOR NURSING MOTHERS ACT

March 2021

The USBC delivered an organizational sign-on letter urging members of Congress to support the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act. The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act would extend coverage of the existing Break Time for Nursing Mothers law to an additional 9 million workers and would create a clear mechanism for holding employers accountable when they do not comply. The letter has been signed by a total of 68 organizations: 35 international, national, and tribal organizations and 33 regional, state, and local organizations. USBC delivered the letter to members of the House Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee and Workforce Protections Subcommittee. 
USBC LETTER FOR THE RECORD OF THE HOUSE HEARING ON THE PUMP FOR NURSING MOTHERS ACT

March 2021

The House Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services and House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a joint hearing titled "Fighting for Fairness: Examining Legislation to Confront Workplace Discrimination" which included the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act. The USBC letter provides the public health case for breastfeeding and lifts up stories directly from lactating workers. ​

2020
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MCHB STRATEGIC PLAN

December 2020

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee submitted comments in response to the request for information issued by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) of the Health Resources and Services Administration to inform the MCHB Strategic Plan. The comments urge the agency to embed systemic breastfeeding promotion, protection, and support activities in MCHB programs, including through ongoing partnerships with breastfeeding coalitions.
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

September 2020

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Labor in response to the "Request for Information; Paid Leave" public comment opportunity. Through the RFI, the Department is gathering information concerning the effectiveness of current state- and employer-provided paid leave programs, and how access or lack of access to paid leave programs impacts America's workers and their families. USBC comments describe how access to paid family and medical leave impacts breastfeeding, how state programs are making a difference, why a national program is needed, and key components of a comprehensive national paid family and medical leave program. 
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON DIETARY GUIDELINES SCIENTIFIC REPORT

August 2020

The USBC submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) in response to the "Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee" public comment opportunity. USDA and HHS will consider the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee's Scientific Report, along with public and agency comments, as the Departments develop the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. USBC comments urge the Departments to make a clear recommendation in the DGA for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced for at least the first year of life. USBC comments also urge the Departments to ensure that the DGA reflects the most recent, salient, evidence-based science and is free of industry bias.
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER URGING CONGRESS TO INCREASE FUNDING TO $13 MILLION TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION (CDC) BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT PROGRAMS IN FISCAL YEAR 2021

August 2020

The USBC delivered a joint letter urging members of Congress to direct $13 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding program in the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill. This funding level is critically needed to support the breastfeeding field to adapt lactation support services in the context of restraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to build upon multi-year, multi-pronged initiatives that support breastfeeding families in maternity care settings, communities, and workplaces. The letter has been signed by a total of 56 organizations: 27 international, national, and tribal organizations and 29 regional, state, and local organizations. USBC delivered the letter to Senators Shelby (R-AL), Leahy (D-VT), Blunt (R-MO), Murray (D-WA), Merkley (D-OR), and Murkowski (R-AK).
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER URGING EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING FOR INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING

May 2020

The USBC coordinated an organizational sign on letter urging members of Congress to direct $10 million in supplemental funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for infant and young child feeding in emergencies (IYCF-E) in the fourth Congressional COVID-19 response package. In responding to this crisis, it is critical that Congress support the breastfeeding field in adapting to deliver lactation support services in the context of restraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This supplemental funding would support community-level interventions designed to mitigate the impact of this public health emergency while building the capacity and resilience of local agents to implement community-driven programming that centers the needs of disproportionately impacted populations. The letter was signed by a total of 84 organizations: 42 international, national, and tribal organizations and 42 regional, state, and local organizations. 
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON 2020-2025 EDITION OF THE DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS

April 2020

The USBC submitted comments in response to the Food and Nutrition Service public comment opportunity on the meetings of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The 2020-2025 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will include, for the first time, guidance for infants and toddlers (from birth to age 24 months), and women who are pregnant and lactating. The USBC comments urge the DGAC to recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced for at least the first year of life; focus on the short and long term health impacts of infant feeding on both maternal and child health; include studies of diverse populations;  conduct a full and thorough review protocol; accurately align with known transitional periods in pregnancy, lactation, infancy, and early childhood; and ensure that the recommendations are free of industry bias.
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER URGING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO CO-SPONSOR THE PUMP FOR NURSING MOTHERS ACT

January 2020

The USBC coordinated an organizational sign on letter urging Members of Congress to cosponsor the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act. The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act would extend coverage of the existing Break Time for Nursing Mothers law to an additional 9 million workers and would create a clear mechanism for holding employers accountable when they do not comply. The letter has been signed by a total of 129 organizations: 51 international, national, and tribal organizations and 78 regional, state, and local organizations and has been delivered to Senators Murkowski and Merkley, and Representatives Herrera Beutler, Underwood, Maloney, Roybal-Allard, and Stefanik.

2019
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER THANKING SENATORS DUCKWORTH AND FISCHER FOR INTRODUCING THE FRIENDLY AIRPORTS FOR MOTHERS IMPROVEMENT ACT

October 2019

The USBC coordinated an organizational sign on letter thanking Senator Duckworth and Senator Fischer for introducing the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Improvement Act. The FAM Improvement Act is the Senate companion bill for the Small Airports Mothers' Room Act introduced in the House in June. Under current law, all large- and medium-sized airports are required to provide a clean, private, non-bathroom space in each terminal for the expression of breast milk. The FAM Improvement Act would expand this provision to small hub airports. The letter has been signed by a total of 88 organizations: 36 international, national, and tribal organizations and 52 regional, state, and local organizations and was delivered to Senators Duckworth and Fischer.
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER TO SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE TO INCREASE FUNDING TO $10 MILLION TO CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION (CDC) HOSPITAL & CONTINUITY OF CARE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT IN FISCAL YEAR 2020

September 2019

The USBC coordinated an organizational sign on letter to leadership of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies urging support for $10M for the CDC Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding Program in FY2020, to align with the funding level included for this item in H.R. 2740. On May 8th, 2019 the House Appropriations Committee advanced the FY2020 LHHS Appropriations Bill, which includes $10M for the CDC Hospital Support Breastfeeding program, an increase of $2M from the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The letter highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding and identified the return on investment that breastfeeding support programs create. The letter was signed by a total of 110 organizations: 43 international, national, and tribal organizations and 67 regional, state, and local organizations and delivered via mail to Senators Shelby, Leahy, Blunt, and Murray.
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER THANKING CONGRESSWOMAN MILLER FOR INTRODUCING SMALL AIRPORTS MOTHERS' ROOMS ACT

July 2019

The USBC coordinated a sign on letter thanking Congressman Miller (R-WV) for introducing the Small Airports Mothers' Rooms (SAMR) Act (H.R. 3362). The SAMR Act builds on the success of the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act of 2018 that targeted medium and large hub airports. The SAMR Act would require that small hub airports are also to provide a private, non-bathroom space in each terminal for mothers to express breast milk. The space must be accessible to persons with disabilities, available in each terminal building after the security checkpoint, and include a place to sit, a table or other flat surface, and an electrical outlet. Airports would be able to use Airport Improvement Program funds for the purpose of complying with the requirement. The letter was signed by a total of 60 organizations: 27 international, national, and tribal organizations and 33 regional, state, and local organizations.
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PROPOSED OVERTIME RULE

May 2019

The USBC submitted comments in response to the U.S. Department of Labor Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled "Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales and Computer Employees." Under currently enforced law, employees with a salary below $455 per week ($23,660 annually) must be paid overtime if they work more than 40 hours per week. This proposal would boost the proposed standard salary level to $679 per week (equivalent to $35,308 per year). By increasing the number of employees who are considered eligible for overtime (nonexempt) under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the proposal also expands the right to workplace accommodations for breastfeeding under the federal "Break Time for Nursing Mothers" law. The USBC's comments support this as an incremental measure to better align overtime regulations with today’s workforce. However, the comments urge the Department to increase the salary threshold to the level proposed by the Department in 2016 and to establish a mechanism to automatically adjust the salary threshold to create stability and predictability for both employees and employers. 
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER TO SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS TO DISCHARGE THE FAIRNESS FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS ACT TO THE SENATE FLOOR FOR A VOTE

April 2019

The USBC coordinated an organizational sign on letter to urge the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works leaders to discharge the Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act from committee so that it can go to the Senate floor for a vote. The Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act (H.R. 866/S. 528) would require that certain public buildings that have a public restroom provide a lactation room, other than a bathroom, that is hygienic and is available for use by a member of the public. A building may be excluded from the requirement if the building does not contain a lactation room for employees who work in the building and does not have a room that could be repurposed as a lactation space at a reasonable cost; or if new construction would be required and the cost is unfeasible. The Fairness for Breastfeeding Mothers Act was signed into law in July of 2019.
USBC SIGN-ON LETTER TO HOUSE AND SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEES TO INCREASE FUNDING TO $13 MILLION TO CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION (CDC) HOSPITAL & CONTINUITY OF CARE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT IN FISCAL YEAR 2020

April 2019

​ The USBC coordinated an organizational sign on letter to members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies asking to increase the amount for the CDC Hospital & Continuity of Care Breastfeeding Support from the $8M in FY2019 to $13M in FY2020. The letter highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding and identified the return on investment that breastfeeding support programs create. The letter was signed by 34 national organizations and 51 regional, state, and local organizations. The letter was delivered via mail to Senators Shelby, Leahy, Blunt, and Murray and Representatives Lowey, Granger, DeLauro, and Cole. On May 8th, 2019 the House Appropriations Committee advanced the FY2020 LHHS Appropriations Bill, which includes $10M for the CDC Hospital Support Breastfeeding program, an increase of $2M from the fiscal year 2019 enacted level, to support evidence-based practice improvements in hospitals, with an emphasis on physician and care provider education.

2018
WORKPLACE SUPPORT CONSTELLATION SIGN-ON LETTER TO THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND THE OFFICE ON WOMEN'S HEALTH REGARDING THE REVISION/REDUCTION OF OWH RESOURCES

November 2018

The USBC-affiliated Workplace Support Constellation coordinated a sign on letter in response to the Office on Women's Health (OWH) revision to the Supporting Nursing Moms at Work: Employer Solutions resource. The original resource, launched in 2014, was an on-line searchable, solutions-oriented resource, featuring a compendium of written content, photos, and videos demonstrating how real employers in 22 industry groups have utilized innovative, creative methods and strategies to provide breastfeeding support for their employees. In August 2018, OWH made significant revisions, including temporary removal of the Spanish language content and videos, removal of photographs showing industry-specific solutions to providing time and space accommodations, and removal of the majority of the videos from the Supporting Nursing Moms at Work webpages. The sign on letter requests an explanation on why critical content was removed as part of the revision of the OWH resource; urges OWH to immediately reinstate the original resource with content in both English and Spanish; and to take swift steps to develop a dissemination plan to ensure employers are aware of this valuable resource. OWH responded to the joint letter in December 2019.
PAID LEAVE CONSTELLATION SIGN-ON LETTER TO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS URGING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF 12 WEEKS OF FEDERAL PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE FOR ALL WORKERS

November 2018

The USBC-Affiliated Paid Leave Constellation invited organizations to sign on to a letter to Members of Congress highlighting how increased access to paid family leave can increase breastfeeding rates and improve health outcomes. The letter states that signing organizations stand ready to work with policymakers to establish at least 12 weeks of job-protected, paid family & medical leave as a self-funded insurance program that is affordable and cost-effective for workers, employers and the government, and is accessible to all workers, regardless of gender/marital status, and including military servicemembers. The letter was signed by a total of 67 organizations: 41 international & national organizations and 26 regional, state, and local organizations.
PAID LEAVE CONSTELLATION SIGN-N LETTER URGING LEGISLATORS TO SEEK CORRECTION FOR GAPS IN THE MILITARY PARENTAL LEAVE PROGRAM

November 2018

​The USBC-Affiliated Paid Leave Constellation coordinated a sign on letter urging legislators to seek correction for gaps in the Military Parental Leave Program (MPLP), established by the Department of Defense (DOD) in May 2018. When Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017 they included language specifically instructing the DOD to establish a new parental leave program with the goal of creating a universal benefit applied equally to all members of the active armed services. After the circulation of the sign-on letter the Marines Corps updated their parental leave program policy. The letter was signed by a total of 50 organizations: 35 international & national organizations and 15 regional, state, & local organizations.
USBC STATEMENT ON WHA RESOLUTION ON INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING

July 2018

As reported by The New York Times, this spring, the U.S. Delegation to the World Health Assembly (WHA) undermined a global resolution aimed at supporting breastfeeding, threatening trade sanctions against Ecuador before yielding to a proposal put forth by Russia. Breastfeeding organizations and advocates across the country have raised concerns about the role of industry in international policy and the aggressive tactics of the U.S. delegation. The USBC published a joint letter to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Commerce signed by national, state, and local organizations.
USBC STATEMENT ON UN UNLAWFUL SEPARATION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AT THE BORDER
JOINT STATEMENT ON UNLAWFUL SEPARATION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AT THE BORDER

July 2018

On April 6, 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum for federal prosecutors along the southwest border that directed "each United States Attorney's Office along the southwest border—to the extent practicable, and in consultation with DHS—to adopt immediately a zero-tolerance policy for all offenses referred for prosecution under section 1325(a)." As of June 20, 2018, HHS had 2,053 minors separated from their caregiver as a result of the zero-tolerance policy in HHS-funded facilities. The USBC issued a statement and also coordinated a joint statement on the unlawful separation of children and families at the border.
SIGN-ON LETTER THANKING SENATOR DUCKWORTH AND CONGRESSMAN KNIGHT FOR INTRODUCING THE FRIENDLY AIRPORTS FOR MOTHERS (FAM) ACT

June 2018

The USBC coordinated a sign on letter thanking Senator Duckworth and Congressman Knight for introducing the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act. The FAM Act would require all large and medium hub airports to provide a private, non-bathroom space in each terminal for mothers to express breast milk. The space must be accessible to persons with disabilities, available in each terminal building after the security checkpoint, and include a place to sit, a table or other flat surface, and an electrical outlet. Airports would have two years to comply and would be able to use Airport Improvement Program funds for the purpose of complying with the new requirement.
SIGN ON LETTER THANKING SENATOR MERKLEY AND REPRESENTATIVE MALONEY FOR INTRODUCING THE SUPPORTING WORKING MOMS ACT

June 2018

​The USBC coordinated a sign on letter thanking Senator Merkley and Representative Maloney for introducing the Supporting Working Moms Act (SWMA). SWMA would expand existing federal law that requires employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom place for most hourly wage-earning (nonexempt) workers to express breast milk at work.
JOINT LETTER ON ANTHEM BREAST PUMP REIMBURSEMENT RATE CHANGE

April 2018

The USBC coordinated a sign on letter to Anthem, a major health insurance provider, following a significant cut in reimbursement rates for breast pumps. The letter expresses concern that this decrease will have a long lasting impact on maternal and child health outcomes, and in turn, health care costs. An independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem provides coverage for about 1/3 of individuals and families in the U.S., including 40 million Medicaid enrollees, 40 million Private Insured members, and millions of others on affiliated plans. The letter was signed by a total of 88 organizations: 33 national and 55 state/local organizations.
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON DEVELOPMENT OF THE 2020-2025 DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS

March 2018

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a public comment opportunity on the topics and questions to be examined in the review of scientific evidence supporting the development of the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The 2014 Farm Bill mandated that beginning with the 2020-2025 edition, the DGA expand to include for the first time, guidance for infants and toddlers (from birth to age 24 months), and women who are pregnant. The USBC comments commend the decision to include guidelines for pregnant women and young children from birth to 24 months because the dietary intake during gestation and from birth through two years is essential for building a foundation for life-long health and includes recommendations to better support the creation of guidelines for mothers and young children.

2017
LETTER TO CONGRESSWOMAN MALONEY AND SENATOR MERKLEY IN SUPPORT OF THE SUPPORTING WORKING MOMS ACT

December 2017

This letter, co-signed by a total of 30 organizations, 18 national and 12 state breastfeeding coalitions, was sent to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Senator Jeff Merkley to thank them for demonstrating their commitment to our nation's mothers and children by introducing the Supporting Working Moms Act of 2017.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON DEFINING AND DELIMITING THE EXEMPTIONS FOR EXECUTIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE, PROFESSIONAL, OUTSIDE SALES AND COMPUTER EMPLOYEES

September 2017

Following an extensive public comment process, the U.S. Department of Labor issued a Final Rule updating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime regulations in May 2016. Just before it went into effect, however, a federal judge in Texas granted a preliminary injunction suspending its implementation and the court ultimately held that the Final Rule is invalid. In July 2017, the Department of Labor issued a Request for Information (RFO) on Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales and Computer Employees.  The USBC submitted comments in response to the RFI, urging the Department to defend the Final Rule rather than revisiting its provisions through this Request for Information or any future rulemaking. USBC's comments emphasize that by increasing the number of employees who are considered eligible for overtime (nonexempt), the bill would also expand the right to workplace breastfeeding accommodations under the "Break Time for Nursing Mothers" law.
JOINT LETTER REQUESTING ADDITIONAL CLARIFICATION IN THE WHD'S "FACT SHEET #73, BREAK TIME FOR NURSING MOTHERS UNDER THE FLSA" AND BREAK TIME FOR NURSING MOTHERS FAQS

January 2017

The USBC coordinated a sign on letter urging the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) to amplify the information available to the public and provide additional information on the scope of the protection for employees and requirements for employers under the "Break Time for Nursing Mothers" law. These six top priority, simplified recommendations are drawn from the larger list of 20 recommendations that the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sent to WHD in August 2015. They fall into two categories: 1) recommendations that simply call for including links to existing federal resources, and 2) recommendations that include language changes or additions from the RFI.

2016
JOINT LETTER THANKING CONGRESSWOMAN HERRERA BEUTLER AND SENATOR AYOTTE FOR INTRODUCING THE BOTTLES AND BREASTFEEDING EQUIPMENT SCREENING (BABES) ACT

November 2016

The USBC coordinated a sign on letter thanking Congresswoman Herrera Beutler and Senator Ayotte for introducing the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Act. The BABES Act would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide ongoing training to ensure its officers consistently enforce TSA Special Procedures related to breast milk, formula, and infant feeding equipment across all airport security checkpoints. Update: The BABES Act was signed into law in December 2016. The BABES Act is the first breastfeeding-specific bill to go to the floor of either house of Congress as a standalone measure, and was passed via unanimous consent in both houses!
JOINT LETTER TO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR GLOBAL AFFAIRS TO SUPPORT WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY GUIDANCE ON INAPPROPRIATE MARKETING OF BREAST-MILK SUBSTITUTES

May 2016

The USBC coordinated a sign on letter urging the U.S. Government to support a strong resolution at the 2016 World Health Assembly to 1) endorse the proposed Guidance on Ending the Inappropriate Promotion of Foods for Infants and Young Children (the “Guidance”), 2) note the importance of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (the “Code”), 3) call on countries to implement the Guidance, and 4) call on the Director-General to report every two years on implementation of the Guidance.

2015
JOINT LETTER TO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION ADMINISTRATOR ON RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENHANCE IMPLEMENTATION INFORMATION ON THE BREAK TIME FOR NURSING MOTHERS LAW

August 2015

The USBC conducted a review of inquiries received on the "Break Time for Nursing Mothers" law, and a gap analysis to  assess how existing Department of Labor information sources address questions routinely received from both employees and employers. The gap analysis compared the information currently available on each facet of the law in the DOL's Fact Sheet #73, the associated FAQs, and the 2011 Request for Information (RFI). Based on this gap analysis, the USBC developed, with review and input from the ACLU, 20 recommendations to enhance implementation information available via the FAQs and Fact Sheet  #73. These recommendations were jointly sent to the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division Administrator David Weil.

2014
USBC/CQMC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON USPSTF DRAFT RESEARCH PLAN ON PRIMARY CARE INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE BREASTFEEDING

November 2014

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted a draft research plan on primary care interventions to promote breastfeeding for public comment, and joint organizational comments were submitted under the auspices of USBC and the Coalition for Quality Maternity Care. The final research plan is used to guide a systematic review of the evidence by researchers at an Evidence-based Practice Center. The resulting Evidence Review will form the basis of the USPSTF Recommendation Statement on this topic.

2013
LETTER TO CONGREEWOMAN MALONEY AND SENATOR MERKLEY IN SUPPORT OF THE SUPPORTING WORKING MOMS ACT

June 2013

This letter, co-signed by a total of 50 organizations: 33 national organizations and 17 state breastfeeding coalitions, was sent to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Senator Jeff Merkley to thank them for demonstrating their commitment to our nation's mothers and children by introducing the Supporting Working Moms Act of 2013.

2012
JOINT LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF TIME

May 2012

This letter, co-signed by MomsRising and the National Partnership for Women & Families, was sent to TIME magazine in response to its May 21, 2012 cover story, "Are You Mom Enough?"

2011
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON WIC LOCAL AGENCY RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT PRACTICES

August 2011

The USDA Food & Nutrition Service issued a request for public comments on the approach for selecting and awarding local agencies for excellence in WIC breastfeeding services and support. Section 231 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Public Law 111-296, requires that USDA establish a program to recognize WIC local agencies and clinics that demonstrate exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support activities.
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NICHD VISIONING PROCESS

June 2011

The NIH National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) issued a request for public comments on its Vision White Papers. NICHD is collaborating with its many stakeholders to identify the most promising scientific opportunities of the next decade across the breadth of the Institute's mission. The aim of this process is to develop a scientific Vision that sets an ambitious agenda and inspires the NICHD, its many partners, and the research community to achieve critical scientific goals and meet pressing public health needs.
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON INFANT FORMULA LABEL STATEMENTS EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

April 2011

The Food & Drug Administration issued a request for public comments on a planned experimental study about certain types of label statements on infant formula, such as those that are either structure function claims or similar to such claims.
JOINT LETTER TO CONGRESSIONAL APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE LEADERS WITH ACCOMPANYING BRIEFING DOCUMENT

March 2011

This letter, co-signed by a total of 136 organizations: 38 national organizations and 98 regional/state/local organizations, was sent to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees asking for $15 million to fund breastfeeding support initiatives in Fiscal Year 2012, from the Prevention and Public Health Fund.
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE NEW FEDERAL LAW REQUIRING "BREAK TIME FOR NURSING MOTHERS"

February 2011

The Department of Labor issued a Request for Information seeking comments from the public regarding the recent amendment to the FLSA that requires employers to provide reasonable break time and a place for nursing mothers to express breast milk.

2010
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE FDA PEDIATRIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DONOR MILK

November 2010

On December 6, 2010, the FDA Pediatric Advisory Committee met to discuss donor and banked human milk. FDA is opening a docket to allow for additional public comments to be submitted through January 6, 2011.
HOUSE LETTER TO THE IRS ON BREAST PUMPS (SIGNED BY 34 REPRESENTATIVES)
SENATE LETTER TO THE IRS ON BREAST PUMPS (SIGNED BY 11 SENATORS)

November 2010

Following the recent New York Times article, 45 members of Congress asked the IRS to reverse its decision to allow breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies to be tax deductible. On January 31, 2011, the IRS overturned the ruling.
USBC COMMENTS ON THE HHS STRATEGIC PLAN 2010-2015

August 2010

The Department of Health and Human Services requested comments on its Draft Strategic Plan for 2010-2015. View other comments on the "Open Government at HHS" website.
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE MPINC SURVEY

July 2010

In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, completed a national survey of maternity care feeding practices and policies, entitled the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) Survey. This was USBC's response to the 2010 Request for Public Comment and Recommendations.
LETTER TO THE HOUSE EDUCATION AND LABOR COMMITTEE ON CHILD NUTRITION REAUTHORIZATION

June 2010

This letter was sent to Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Kline, urging the Committee to insert additional language in the Child Nutrition Reauthorization legislation ensuring that USDA has statutory authority to require scientific analysis prior to the authorization of the use of infant foods and infant formula with health claims regarding functional ingredient additives.

2009
LETTER TO SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID IN SUPPORT OF THE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT PROVISION IN THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
LETTER TO CONGRESSWOMAN MALONEY IN SUPPORT OF THE BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION ACT
LETTER TO SENATOR MERKLEY IN SUPPORT OF THE BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION ACT

November 2009

​​These letters, co-signed by a total of 55 organizations: 29 national and international organizations and 26 state/territory breastfeeding coalitions, were sent to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Senator Jeff Merkley to thank them for demonstrating their commitment to our nation's mothers and children by introducing the Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009.
LETTER IN SUPPORT OF THE WHITE HOUSE COUNCIL ON WOMEN AND GIRLS

September 2009

This letter was sent to President Obama to applaud the creation of the White House Council on Women and Girls, and to urge consideration of breastfeeding.
LETTER TO THE FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION

July 2009

This letter was sent in reponse to the FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner's request in AAP News for comments on advancing child health.
LETTER REGARDING HEALTHY PEOPLE 2020 TOPIC AREAS

July 2009

This letter, co-signed by 17 national and international organizations, was sent to urge the leadership of Healthy People 2020 (HP2020) to provide a “home” for birth and breastfeeding in the suggested HP2020 Topic Areas.
USBC LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE ATLANTIC

March 2009

This letter, co-signed by 32 national and international organizations, was sent by USBC Chair Dr. Joan Younger Meek to the Atlantic in response to an article published in the April 2009 issue. The article, "The Case Against Breast-feeding," was written by Hanna Rosin.
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE MPINC SURVEY

March 2009

​In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, completed a national survey of maternity care feeding practices and policies, entitled the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) Survey. This was USBC's response to the 2009 Request for Public Comment and Recommendations.
SIGN-ON LETTER TO THE IRS ON BREAST PUMPS AND FSAS

January 2009

The American Academy of Pediatrics circulated this joint letter to the Internal Revenue Service urging revision of current policy to allow breast pumps and related equipment to be reimbursed under Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). View the IRS response.

2008
USBC PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE 2009 WIC REAUTHORIZATION

October 2008

This was USBC's response to the Request for Public Comments for Use in Preparing for 2009 Reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
USBC LETTER TO THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

2007
USBC LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE WASHINGTON POST

September 2007

This letter was sent by USBC Chair Dr. Audrey Naylor to The Washington Post in response to an article published August 31, 2007. The article, "HHS Toned Down Breast-Feeding Ads: Formula Industry Urged Softer Campaign," was written by Marc Kaufman and Christopher Lee.

2006
USBC LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK TIMES

September 2006

This letter was sent by USBC Chair Dr. Audrey Naylor to The New York Times in response to an article published September 1, 2006. The article, "On the Job, Nursing Mothers Find a 2-Class System," was written by Jodi Kantor. Read the published Letters to the Editor.

2005
USBC RESPONSE TO HURRICANE KATRINA
USBC LETTER TO THE VIEW

June 2005

This letter was sent by USBC Chair Dr. Audrey Naylor to the producers of ABC's The View in response to coverage of the breastfeeding mothers' "nurse-in" staged outside the studio in New York City.

2004
USBC LETTER TO 20/20

June 2004

This letter was sent by USBC Chair Amy Spangler to the producers of ABC's 20/20 in response to the investigative report, "Milk Money," which exposed the attempts of the infant formula industry to halt the launch of the National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign.
USBC LETTER TO DHHS SECRETARY TOMMY THOMPSON

June 2004

This letter was sent by USBC Chair Amy Spangler to thank Secretary Thompson for supporting the National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign.

2003
USBC LETTER TO THE AD COUNCIL

November 2003

This letter was sent by USBC Chair Amy Spangler to thank the Ad Council for its efforts in developing a national advertising campaign to promote breastfeeding.
USBC LETTER TO DHHS SECRETARY TOMMY THOMPSON

November 2003

This letter was sent by USBC Chair Amy Spangler to urge Secretary Thompson to support the scheduled launch of the National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign.
Copyright U.S. Breastfeeding Committee.  All Rights Reserved.
1629 K Street NW, Suite 300 | Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (773) 359-1549 | [email protected] | sitemap
QuestionPro's survey software plays a major role in helping us keep in touch with our alumni, volunteers, donors, employees, and other affiliates. Surveying them has helped strengthen our relationship.