Rep. Schrier Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bills to Prevent and Prepare For Future Baby Formula Shortages

Press Release

Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), the only pediatrician in Congress, has introduced several bills in the last few days to combat the formula shortage and bring life-saving baby formula to families.

"It seems inconceivable that we could have a baby formula shortage in 2022. This is preventable. Most babies, even those who are primarily breastfed, rely on formula. Baby formula is a little bit different from food in that babies under six months are nearly entirely dependent on it. In some ways, it makes it more like medicine than food and we have an early warning system for drug shortages," said Rep. Schrier. "We need an early warning system for when formula supplies may run low. And we need the ability to stockpile formula in the case of an emergency. We must do all we can to prevent such a shortage from happening again."

Congresswoman Schrier is taking a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis, leading on several bills to make sure this sort of shortage does not happen again. Today Rep. Schrier and Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) introduced the Formula Shortage Reporting Act, a bipartisan bill that authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require manufacturers of infant formula to warn of interruptions or discontinuances in advance of a shortage.

Last week, the Congresswoman introduced the Protect Infants from Formula Shortages Act, which has also been introduced in the Senate by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). Specifically, the bill lays groundwork for maintaining a stockpile of formula, establishes notification requirements, directs producers to develop risk management plans, and strengthens FDA inspection authority. She introduced this bill with Representatives Jahana Hayes (CT-05)and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23).

"The formula crisis has revealed alarming gaps in our supply chain system," said Rep. Hayes."Learning from this experience, we can now put guardrails in place to prevent future crises. I am pleased to join Congresswoman Schrier in leading the Protecting Infants from Formula Shortages Act to directly address the stockpile issue and promote coordination with the FDA and manufacturers."

"As a mother, I am horrified by the recent infant formula shortages I have seen and heard about. We must act swiftly and effectively to address it, including being proactive to prevent this and similar issues like it from happening in the future. This bill does that, by helping ensure families always have access to safe formula. I am proud to lead this legislation with my colleagues," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.

Rep. Schrier is also a co-sponsor of the Keep Infant Formula Safe and on the Shelves Act, recently introduced by Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) of the House Appropriations Committee that takes actions like clarifying when the Defense Production Act can be invoked for food related shortages.

These legislative actions follow a letter Congresswoman Schrier and Congressman Johnson sent last month to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra about the worsening shortage of infant formula, requesting information on what caused the shortage and how it could be prevented in the future.

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