PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Barragán joins Reps. Letlow, Schrier to Introduce Bipartisan Maternal Support Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 19, 2025

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Rep. Barragán joins Reps. Letlow, Schrier to Introduce Bipartisan Maternal Support Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) joined Reps. Julia Letlow (R-LA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) to introduce legislation aimed at increasing critical support for new mothers and infants through the distribution of newborn supply kits.

The Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Act authorizes an existing pilot program within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide items such as diapers, wipes, breastfeeding supplies, and postpartum mental health resources in areas of need.

"No mother should have to worry about whether she can afford the basic necessities her newborn needs in those critical first days," said Congresswoman Nanette Barragán. "The bipartisan NEST Act builds on proven partnerships to ensure families, especially those in underserved and maternal health desert communities, have access to essential supplies and postpartum support. This legislation is a practical, compassionate step toward improving maternal and infant health outcomes and giving every child a strong start in life."

"Motherhood is a tremendous blessing and the highest calling of my life. In the days and moments after giving birth, I want all moms to have the support necessary to create a nurturing environment for their child, especially in maternal health deserts and our rural communities," said Congresswoman Julia Letlow, the primary sponsor of the legislation. "We will keep working with our local hospitals and private sector partners to expand this program and provide meaningful support for mothers and their babies."

"As a mother and a pediatrician, I understand the physical, mental, and financial challenges that mothers of newborns often face during the postpartum period," said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. "Mothers need all the support we can provide. That is why I am proud to introduce the bipartisan NEST Act that will ensure mothers have the supplies and resources they need to care for themselves and their newborns."

"As a healthcare participant in the newborn supply kit program, Woman's Hospital is proud to provide new mothers in need with essential resources that support a strong start to parenthood," said Rene Ragas, President & CEO of Woman's Hospital. "These kits are game changers for our families, offering the peace of mind that comes with having supplies for those first critical days and weeks at home. The kits remove common sources of stress, allowing parents to focus on bonding with their newborn and navigating the early days of family life with confidence and care."

"Congresswoman Letlow's leadership in delivering vital support to new moms represents a bold and innovative step forward in addressing maternal health challenges," said E.J. Kuiper, President and CEO of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. "Maternal health is the cornerstone to ensuring healthy families and healthy communities, and initiatives like this have the power to save lives. Congresswoman Letlow has been a tireless champion for mothers and families in many policy areas, and we are grateful for her continued focus on ensuring that new mothers receive the care, supplies and support they need to thrive."

"The introduction of the NEST Act is a crucial step forward in ensuring new parents' access to essential resources during one of life's most vulnerable moments," said Kay Matthews, Founder and Executive Director at the Shades of Blue Project. "As someone who has experienced firsthand the challenges of the perinatal period, I know how transformative it can be when families receive the right support at the right time. I'm grateful to Rep. Letlow and Rep. Schrier for their bipartisan leadership on pro-family and cost of living issues-when we invest in moms and babies, we're investing in American communities, especially those who have been historically underserved."

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