U.S. Senator Katie Britt Continues Fight for Moms, Families Ahead of Mother’s Day

‘Building a comprehensive culture of life starts with building blocks just like the MOMS Act’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) spoke on the Senate floor ahead of Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 11, to highlight the reintroduction of her legislation, the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act.

Senator Britt began her remarks by speaking directly to American families, saying, “I couldn’t be more proud to introduce a piece of legislation that speaks to the heart of what I believe the Republican Party stands for. We are the party of life, the party of parents, the party of hardworking Americans. This, among many reasons, is why I believe the Republican Party won so resoundingly in November. We ran on a promise to strengthen and grow American families, and this is another promise we’re going to keep.”

She also touched on her own experience as a new mom, emphasizing that “while being a mom is the most rewarding experience, I think I can speak for most moms when I say that it’s a challenging one as well. When I was pregnant with my first child, I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. I remember actually being in the hospital room . . .  thinking, you’re going to send me home with her? What do I do next? Fortunately, I had the support of my friends and my family that helped me through this exciting journey of bringing new life into the world and bringing that baby home.”

“However, I know that many moms may not have the incredible support that I did,” continued the Senator.“That’s why the MOMS Act is so important. This would help the most vulnerable, the most isolated, women the most.”

The MOMS Act, which Senator Britt introduced with Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.Dak.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), would establish a website of resources, Pregnancy.gov, for expecting and postpartum moms, as well as those with young children. This aims to increase access to adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, and other relevant public and private resources available to pregnant women near their zip code and surrounding areas. These relevant resources include health and well-being services; financial assistance; and material and legal support. HHS would also be required to include and maintain a national list of federal funding opportunities available to non-profit and healthcare entities for pregnancy support.

Senator Britt’s legislation would also improve access to pre- and post-natal resources. The bill would establish a grant program for non-profit entities to support, encourage, and assist women in carrying their pregnancies to term and to care for their babies after birth. It would also institute a grant program to purchase necessary medical equipment and technology in rural areas and other medically underserved areas to support pre-natal and post-natal telehealth appointments.

The MOMS Act also includes Senator Cramer’s Unborn Child Support Act to allow states to apply child support obligations to the time period during pregnancy.

Senator Britt also highlighted her motivation, as a parent and a U.S. Senator, behind leading this bill: “When I think about what this bill to me means to me, I immediately think of my own two children. They are why I’m here today. They’re why I chose to step up and run for the Senate. Their future and the future of the next generation is absolutely what I’m fighting for. As parents, our children are at the heart of every decision we make. We want them to have the greatest opportunity to succeed and to thrive. As a Senator, I want that for children across our nation from coast to coast.”

She concluded her remarks by reiterating her commitment to advocating for moms and families, saying, “Building a comprehensive culture of life starts with building blocks just like the MOMS Act. To all the moms across my great state of Alabama and across our incredible country, I could not be more proud to stand with you. I am committed to growing and strengthening families and ensuring parents have the opportunities and resources needed so that they and their children can thrive and live their American Dream.”

Senator Britt is at the forefront of the Senate working on legislation to support families throughout all seasons, including throughout a woman’s pregnancy journey. In addition to the MOMS Act, she has introduced the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act this Congress.

Senator Britt’s full remarks are available here.

###