Costa Votes for Emergency Funding to Address Infant Formula Shortage

Press Release

Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 7790 - Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act, and H.R. 7791 -- Access to Baby Formula. These critical pieces of legislation will address the shortage of infant formula and expedite the delivery of products to American families.

"No parent in America should have to worry about feeding their babies," said Costa. "This nationwide infant formula shortage has forced families to join waitlists and ration food to get by. It cannot go on. These pieces of legislation will cut the red tape and quickly get more product on store shelves to ease parents' fears."

The Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act provides FDA with the resources to prevent fraudulent products from being placed on shelves and helps acquire better data on the infant formula marketplace. It also strengthens the workforce focused on formula issues and increases FDA inspection staff.

The Access to Baby Formula Act will grant the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the authority to waive certain requirements so that vulnerable families can continue purchasing safe infant formula with their WIC benefits during extenuating circumstances, such as a public health emergency or supply chain disruption. The legislation will ensure that WIC participants are better protected during a product recall. Costa is an original co-sponsor of this bill.

In addition, Costa joined a group of over 100 House colleagues in a letter urging President Biden to address the infant formula shortage by increasing product supply, improving supply chain resiliency, and asking for a review of any agency failures that lead to the recall being necessary.

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