Motion to Discharge

Floor Speech

This legislation would require that all modes of transportation that have employees, including railcars, be retrofitted with private, non- bathroom enclosures to allow for breastfeeding. It would also require employees reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk.

To be clear, I recognize the need for breastfeeding women to do just that. However, many women in this industry are quite literally keeping the trains running on time. Entire supply chains could be disrupted because of an overly broad and burdensome regulation that is not crafted to fit this industry. I can't believe I am the only one who sees the pitfalls in this. Regulations like this risk inadvertently doing more harm to working women than helping them.

I understand what it is like to juggle the need to feed your child while also working to provide for them. My daughter is working while raising two little boys.

This whole thing just makes no sense. That is why I am working on an amendment that would recognize the unique situation that working moms in the transportation sector face. It is my hope we can work with the bill's sponsors to solve this small issue. Until that time, we don't need to exacerbate our supply chain crisis by implementing regulations that do not actually protect or aid women in this industry.

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