[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 47 (Monday, March 16, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE JURY DUTY EXEMPTION FOR BREASTFEEDING ACT OF 2026

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 16, 2026

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the Jury Duty Exemption 
for Breastfeeding Act of 2026, which would allow breastfeeding 
individuals summoned for jury service in the federal courts or the 
Superior Court of the District of Columbia to be excused from service 
upon the individual's request. The benefits of breastfeeding are well-
documented, and individuals should not be deterred from breastfeeding 
by jury service.
  This bill would apply to the D.C. Superior Court because Congress is 
the only legislative body that can mandate this exemption for the D.C. 
Superior Court. The D.C. Home Rule Act prohibits the D.C. Council from 
enacting any law relating to Title 11 of the D.C. Code, which governs 
jury service in the D.C. Superior Court.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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