The 117th Congress successfully passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and it was signed into law by the President on December 29, 2022. Excitedly, several maternal mental health initiatives were part of the package, including the bipartisan, bicameral TRIUMPH for New Moms Act (H.R. 4217/S. 2779) led by Representatives Barragan (D-CA), Buschon (R-IN), Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Kim (R-CA), and Senators Hassan (D-NH) and Tillis (R-NC).

TRIUMPH was 2020 Mom’s flagship initiative this Congress and creates the first federal interagency taskforce on maternal mental health. The taskforce will review and identify best practices and programs in maternal mental health, eliminate duplication and coordinate federal resources, and create a national strategy with recommendations to assist state efforts to address maternal mental health.

Below you will find a summary of additional provisions 2020 Mom is proud to see incorporated in the sprawling legislative package that will positively impact moms and families across the nation.

Authorizing and Reauthorization Bills Passed Into Law

Into The Light for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Act (H.R. 7073/S. 3824)

Reauthorizes and expands the Health Services and Resources Administration’s grants to states for screening and prevention and to fund the maternal mental health hotline

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 1065/S. 4431)

The legislation would create the first national standard to ensure pregnant workers receive fair treatment at work through reasonable accommodations for limitations to pregnancy, childbirth or medical condition.

PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (H.R. 3110/S. 1658)

The act amends and updates current law by providing workplace lactations accommodation protections.

Postpartum Medicaid Permanency

Includes a provision that makes permanent a state option to allow states to continue to provide 12 months of continuous coverage during the postpartum period in Medicaid or CHIP.

Peer-Supported Mental Health Services

Authorizes $65 million over 5 years in grants for consumer-run nonprofit organizations, Tribes and Tribal organizations, Urban Indian organizations, or Tribal consortia to provide peer-supported mental health services, including virtual peer support.

Contraceptive Deserts Study:

Requests the Health and Human Services (HHS) agency study Contraceptive Deserts and identify Federal policy changes and resources that can improve access to the full range of contraceptive options.

Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations

Achieving Equitable Maternal Health Outcomes

Builds on the commitment made in the fiscal year 2022 bill by providing an increase for this portfolio of programs to improve the health of pregnant and postpartum women and their babies, including reducing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. Provides $7 million for awards to community-based organizations and other eligible entities located in geographic areas with high rates of adverse maternal health outcomes, particularly among racial and ethnic minority families.

Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Provides $7 million to provide grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to expand support for a maternal mental health hotline.

Screening and Treatment of Maternal Depression and Related Behavioral Disorders Program

Provides $11.5 million to provide grants to fund state maternal mental health programs.

Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program

Inclusion of maternal mental health as an eligible topic of research under this $370 million Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program.

Looking Toward the 118th Congress

The 118th Congress commences on January 3, 2023 with a Republican U.S. House of Representatives majority and Democratic U.S. Senate majority. The legislative agenda and priorities for Congressional leadership will begin to take shape as leadership elections are finalized and committee assignments are confirmed.

2020 Mom looks forward to working with the Administration, Congress, and our organizational partners to advance policy initiatives and funding opportunities for critical maternal health programs tackling maternal mental health, economic security, and affordable and accessible services and supports for mothers across the nation.