Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - Special Section on the Introduction of the FAMILY Act & more

The USBC e-Newsletter, Staying Abreast, is published in a weekly news brief format, called the Weekly Wire (WW). Past issues are archived below.

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Staying Abreast: Weekly Wire - Special Section on the Introduction of the FAMILY Act & more

9/19/2025

In this issue:

USBC Updates
- Action Alert: Urge Congress to Fund Breastfeeding Programs
- New Deaf & Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Resources Featured on USBC Website
- Explore USBC Membership: Join Our Upcoming Info Session on October 1
Special Section on the Introduction of the FAMILY Act
National News
- Deaf & Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Live Q&A Session
- AAP Safe Sleep Image Gallery
- BABIES Act Reintroduced in House
State & Community News
- Employer Sessions on Minnesota's Upcoming PFML Program
Action Opportunities
Funding Opportunities
Upcoming Events
News & Views
Journal Publications

denotes a USBC member organization news item denotes a USBC-affiliated constellation news item

USBC Updates

Action Alert: Urge Congress to Fund Breastfeeding Programs

The 2025 Fiscal Year (FY) ends September 30, and FY2026 appropriations are still under consideration. Lawmakers need to hear from constituents about the importance of funding breastfeeding programs. Even if you’ve contacted your legislators before, please take a moment today to use our advocacy tool to make your voice heard. Every message demonstrates support for the CDC’s Hospitals Promoting Breastfeeding program, and sharing the tool within your networks can strengthen advocacy impact.

New Deaf & Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Resources Featured on USBC Website

In honor of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Week, the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee is featuring new resources on our website. The "Parent Resources: Breastfeeding & Human Milk" now features resources designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing expecting and new parents seeking information about breastfeeding. Additionally, the USBC is offering access to "American Sign Language Breastfeeding Education Series." This breastfeeding video series was produced by the DC Breastfeeding Coalition and features information specifically targeted to engage deaf and hard-of-hearing families.

Explore USBC Membership: Join Our Upcoming Info Session on October 1

Join us for an upcoming information session to learn how your organization can become part of the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) membership network. As open enrollment for 2025 continues, this session will introduce you to the membership application process, share the benefits of USBC membership, and offer a chance to connect directly with USBC staff. Whether you organization is a nonprofit, government agency, coalition, for-profit company, or community-based group, this is your opportunity to explore how your organization can help build a stronger, more inclusive breastfeeding movement. Applications are due by Friday, October 31—don’t miss your chance to join the movement!

Special Section on the Introduction of the FAMILY Act

Senator Gillibrand (NY) and Representative DeLauro (CT-3) led the introduction of the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act (S.2823/H.R.5390). The bill would guarantee up to 12 weeks of partial income for workers who need to take leave for serious medical and family events, including bonding with a new child. The United States is one of the only countries in the world without a national paid family and medical leave program. Access to paid leave has a significant impact on breastfeeding outcomes, supporting longer duration and exclusivity. Expanding access to paid family and medical leave is one of the USBC’s policy priorities for the 119th Congress, and we will share future opportunities for engagement. Highlights from the field include:

ABB: A Better Balance released a blog post, "The FAMILY Act is the True Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Families Urgently Need."

CLASP: The Center for Law and Social Policy released a fact sheet, "Supporting Workers, Strengthening Families: The Role of the FAMILY Act."

New America: New America published a blog post, "Explainer: The FAMILY Act of 2025," breaking down the new version of the FAMILY Act, and updated the brief "Explainer: Paid Leave Benefits and Funding in the United States," which offers a deep dive into the state of paid leave in the United States.

NOW: The National Organization for Women launched a sign-on letter opportunity for organizations, "Endorse the FAMILY Act – Support Paid Family and Medical Leave – FAMILY Act."

NPWF: The National Partnership for Women & Families released the FAMILY Act Reintro Social Media Toolkit, offering sample captions and posts, as well as graphics and video options to promote the reintroduction of the FAMILY Act on social media. NPWF also launched an action tool, "Tell Congress: Support the FAMILY Act!"

National News

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Live Q&A Session

As part of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Week, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Collective is hosting a live Q&A session, "Answers to Common Breastfeeding Concerns," on Saturday, September 20. The session will feature a discussion with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Lactation Specialists who will be available to answer participant questions in real time. The session will provide ASL interpreting services.

AAP Safe Sleep Image Gallery

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a new Safe Sleep Image Gallery. The gallery offers original images to the public that accurately and responsibly portray safe sleep practices. The images are available for anyone to download and use in print, broadcast, or online publications or to share on social media.

BABIES Act Reintroduced in House

Representative Morrison (MN-3) introduced the Better Availability of Birth Centers Improves Outcomes and Expands Savings (BABIES) Act (H.R.5202). The bill would expand access to birth center services in underserved areas and explore more effective payment models for birth center care.

USBC Insight: Birth center care has been associated with higher rates of breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity, and increased birth center access advances the USBC’s policy priority to improve maternity care practices.

State & Community News

Employer Sessions on Minnesota's Upcoming PFML Program

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Paid Leave Division is hosting a series of employer engagement sessions throughout the state in September and October. The purpose of these sessions is for the Paid Leave Division to connect with employers and share updates about Minnesota’s upcoming Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) program. The statewide PFML program takes effect on January 1, 2026. Learn more about the program from highlights from the field:

JD Supra: "Is Your Business Ready for Minnesota’s New Paid Family and Medical Leave?"

Action Opportunities

National Organization for Women: "Endorse the FAMILY Act – Support Paid Family and Medical Leave – FAMILY Act." Sign-on letter deadline: Tuesday, September 30.

National Partnership for Women & Families: "Tell Congress: Support the FAMILY Act!" Action deadline: n/a.

Funding Opportunities

American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention: "AAP and the National Center Tribal Community Grant Application." Application deadline: Tuesday, September 30.