Is There a Law That Gives Military Families Free Diapers?
3 min read
No, there is no law yet that gives military families free diapers, but two bipartisan bills introduced in Congress would move toward it, and both are still sitting in committee, not passed.
Where things stand today
As of 2026, no federal program provides diapers to military families, and TRICARE does not cover routine diapers. See does the military pay for diapers. Two bills aim to change that, both introduced by the same two members of Congress, Representatives Valerie Foushee of North Carolina and Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania. Neither has become law.
The Military Family Diaper Assistance Act (H.R. 6138)
Introduced November 19, 2025, this bill would direct the Department of Defense to run a pilot program pairing military installations with community diaper banks to provide free diapers and diapering supplies to families facing financial hardship (Congress.gov, 2025). Participating diaper banks would have to be nonprofits, members of the National Diaper Bank Network, with at least five years of giving diapers out at no cost. It was referred to the House Armed Services Committee and has not passed.
The Military Family Diaper Partnership Act (H.R. 7657)
Introduced February 24, 2026 by the same two representatives, this companion bill would create a Military Family Diaper Fund of $1 million a year from fiscal years 2027 through 2030, with the National Diaper Bank Network matching that amount, distributed to diaper banks serving families on or near installations (Office of Congresswoman Foushee, 2026). It, too, is introduced and not passed.
Why the bills exist
The push is backed by hard need. A survey of military families by the Diaper Bank of North Carolina found that 91.5 percent of military recipients worry about how they will afford diapers (H.R. 6138 sponsors, 2025). Diaper need forces families to choose between diapers and other essentials, and supporters argue it affects military readiness.
What you can do right now
A bill in committee does not help you this month, so use what already exists. Diaper banks, your branch relief society, and base pantries are available today. See how do I find a diaper bank near me, can a military relief society help me buy diapers, and the complete guide to diaper assistance for military families.
Sources
Congress.gov, H.R. 6138 Military Family Diaper Assistance Act, 119th Congress, 2025: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6138
Office of Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, Military Family Diaper Partnership Act (H.R. 7657), 2026: https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-foushee-mackenzie-introduce-military-family-diaper-partnership-act
National Diaper Bank Network, Federal Issues: https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/federal-issues/
A sponsor-backed diaper subscription for military families is on the way. Add your family to the waitlist at thetoagency.co/list.