Illinois Congresswoman Bustos Votes to Pass Two Bipartisan Bills Addressing Baby Formula Shortage
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass two bipartisan bills to help families affected by the nationwide baby formula shortage. Through the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act, Bustos voted to allocate $28 million to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to boost baby formula supply and prevent future shortages. And by passing the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022, vulnerable families would have improved access to baby formula under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
“Due to the recent formula shortage, families have found themselves stuck staring at empty shelves in the supermarket, and struggling to find their newborns’ next meal,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “We must ensure that every family has access to safe and affordable baby formula. That’s why I voted to pass bipartisan legislation to address supply chain disruptions, put more formula on shelves and improve access – particularly to vulnerable families.”
Cheri Bustos
The supplemental appropriations bill passed today would provide $28 million in emergency funding to the FDA to boost baby formula supply, increase the FDA inspection staff and prevent future shortages.
The Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022, cosponsored by Congresswoman Bustos, will support the 1.2 million infants currently receiving WIC formula benefits by granting the U.S. Department of Agriculture the power to waive certain requirements so families receiving WIC benefits can continue purchasing safe baby formula.
A guide from the Department of Health and Human Services to help families find formula can be found here.
