Rep. Bucshon Takes Legislative Action to Help Prevent Future Baby Formula Shortages

Statement

Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) cosponsored the More Options for Infants and Parents Act (H.R. 8010), a bill that aims to help prevent future baby formula shortages and help to address the immediate crisis families are facing.

"As a physician and a father of four children, I know just how critical it is to ensure that babies have the proper nutrients to grow into healthy adults. Due to the ongoing baby formula shortage crisis, many Hoosier families have struggled to find formula and this crisis is one that Hoosier parents should never have to face again. This is why, I cosponsored the More Options for Infants and Parents Act to put in place policies that will help ensure Hoosier families will not have to worry about shortages in the future," said Dr. Bucshon.

This bill is was introduced by Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and also co-sponsored by Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-01), Congressman Kelly Armstrong (ND-At large), Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02), Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (GA-01), and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12).

Background:

Requires the FDA to review all pending baby formula submissions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) no later than 14 days after the bill's enactment
Requires the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish and keep an up-to-date list on the FDA's website that details
Appropriate substitutes for formula products that the Secretary has determined are in shortage or are at risk of being in shortage
Appropriate substitutes for formula products that individuals with amino-acid or metabolic conditions rely on and that the Secretary has determined are in shortage or are at risk of being in shortage
Gives the HHS Secretary the ability to waive any applicable labeling and nutritional requirements to facilitate substitutions for products in shortage
Click HERE for More Options for Infants and Parents Act's bill text.

Source