Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the FORMULA Act to help American families feed their babies. This legislation will combat domestic baby formula shortages and bolster the supply chain. Recent shortages come in the immediate aftermath of a recall and temporary closure of a major American formula factory, but highlight systematic weaknesses in this vital supply chain. As a result, families in Utah and across the nation are struggling to feed their newborns.
“New mothers are hunting from store to store to feed their infants,” said Rep. Stewart. “This is heartbreaking to see, and it should never happen in America. Red tape led to the culmination of this crisis, and removing it is our best way out. My legislation will temporarily waive trade tariffs, allow for the importation of safe baby formula, and increase formula options here at home. To my congressional colleagues on both sides of the aisle: America’s mothers and fathers need help, and there is no time to waste. Congress needs to pass this bill immediately.”
The FORMULA Act targets supply chain disruption by temporarily waiving current protectionist trade barriers like tariffs and quotas on importation that reduce the supply and increase the price of available foreign-made formula. The bill would also waive regulations that prevent the importation of safe baby formula from abroad. This would allow American families to access safe and plentiful formula manufactured in Europe and elsewhere during the current shortage. The bill will also allow Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program recipients to use vouchers to purchase formula from any producer rather than be limited to the brand or product listed on specific vouchers – which may be unavailable.
