House and Senate Democrats wrote to the nation's top tax official Tuesday asking that the Internal Revenue Service recognize breastfeeding as a medical expense. Doing so would make the purchase of breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies tax-deductible and allow the use of flexible health spending accounts to pay for them.





Current IRS regulations are "at odds with the growing body of medical evidence showing that breastfeeding has proven health benefits for both mothers and babies," the lawmakers wrote to IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman. "Extensive medical research has demonstrated that breast milk goes beyond nutrition and contains antibodies, anti-infective agents, and immunoglobulins that prevent disease."

The letter was spearheaded by Reps. Sander Levin (D-Mich.) and Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) in the House and Sens. Jeff Merkley Jeffrey (Jeff) Alan MerkleyThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Trump, Biden renew push for Latino support Sunday shows - Trump team defends coronavirus response Oregon senator says Trump's blame on 'forest management' for wildfires is 'just a big and devastating lie' MORE (D-Ore.) and Tom Harkin Thomas (Tom) Richard HarkinThe Memo: Trump attacks on Harris risk backfiring Ernst challenges Greenfield to six debates in Iowa Senate race Biden unveils disability rights plan: 'Your voices must be heard' MORE (D-Iowa) in the Senate. Nine other senators and 32 congressmen have also signed on.



