Bill · H.Res. 1491· House(119-HRES-1491)
Expressing support for the designation of the week of August 25 through August 31, 2026, as "Black Breastfeeding Week".
- Introduced
- 8/27/2026
- Last activity
- 8/27/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Alma Adams
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses support for designating the week of August 25 through August 31, 2026, as Black Breastfeeding Week. It highlights statistics showing that Black mothers have lower breastfeeding initiation rates compared to White mothers. The text points out that Black mothers face greater barriers to breastfeeding, such as pain, public concerns, lack of support, and job interference. It notes that low breastfeeding rates correlate with high infant mortality rates and higher risks of childhood disease. The resolution recognizes that systemic and institutional racism create these greater barriers and health disparities. Finally, it states that Congress must support policies ensuring access to health care, paid leave, appropriate places to express milk, and improvements in community conditions like housing, food, and fair treatment.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+8
The resolution specifically addresses the unique health barriers and mortality risks faced by Black mothers and infants.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+7
The resolution explicitly targets the elimination of systemic racism and racial inequities in health outcomes.
Would children be better off under this?+6
The focus on infant health and mortality reduction directly benefits children.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Support for Breastfeeding Week Designation: The House of Representatives recognizes the designation of Black Breastfeeding Week to raise awareness about the maternal child health crisis in Black communities and the role of breastfeeding in improving health outcomes.
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Health Care and Leave Policies: Under resolved section (4), Congress states it must fully support and encourage policies that ensure Black parents have access to affordable health care, allow parents to take paid leave after the birth of a child, and ensure breastfeeding mothers have appropriate places to express breast milk.
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Community and Economic Improvements: Under resolved section (5), the resolution states that Congress must work toward ensuring Black communities have adequate housing, transportation equity, nutritious food, clean water, toxin-free environments, fair treatment in the criminal justice system, freedom from violence, a living wage, equal economic opportunity, and affordable health care to mitigate the effects of systemic and structural racism.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific provisions with potential negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people are found within the text of the bill.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+8Good For Children+6Good For Women+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+7
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5
- 8/27/2026
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Bonnie Watson ColemanDemocrat · New Jersey