Armstrong Cosponsors the Babies Need Formula Now Act

Press Release

Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) cosponsored the Babies Need Formula Now Act, which will increase the baby formula supply for parents as soon as possible. This legislation was introduced by House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA), and Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (R-OK).

In addition to addressing the immediate crisis parents and babies face, this legislation requires additional oversight and accountability of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the Biden administration is doing its job, acting quickly to maintain a healthy and safe supply of formula, and not wasting resources.

To increase access to more choices for parents, it also reduces barriers to innovation for new brands and types of formula to enter the marketplace.

"The shortage of baby formula is a serious concern for families across North Dakota,"said Congressman Armstrong. "The Babies Need Formula Now Act will hold the FDA accountable, ensuring it is using every flexibility it has for parents to access formula and requires it to take steps that prevent this shortage from ever happening again."

"I am proud to introduce the Babies Need Formula Now Act to address Joe Biden's baby formula crisis,"said Congresswoman Stefanik. "While Joe Biden's FDA has ignored my calls to action and proven it is incapable of making any effective plan to address this crisis, I have introduced solutions that will restore supply chain operations, restock shelves, and ensure this never happens again. As a new mother, I know how important it is for families to have certainty, which is why I have been sounding the alarm on the baby formula shortage since February and will continue to take action on behalf of parents and grandparents trying to feed their babies."

More details of the legislation include:

Increasing Supply: The Babies Need More Formula Now Act makes sure the FDA is using every flexibility to import safe baby formula from abroad. It temporarily lifts restrictions on infant formula to allow parents to order formula from countries that have similar safety standards to the United States.
Requiring the FDA to be Transparent: Just giving the administration more money will not address the immediate crisis or correct how it made these shortages worse. This bill adds oversight and accountability to the FDA to make sure it is doing its job and acting quickly to maintain a healthy and safe supply of formula.
Giving Parents More Choices: Lifts FDA-imposed barriers that restrict new types and brands of formula from entering the market. It ensures more competition to help more formula reach the shelves.
Enhancing Accountability for Recalls: Requires the FDA to notify Congress of recalls and provide a plan to address any supply issues that may result. Requires coordination between the FDA and the manufacturer of the recalled formula to resolve any issues as soon as possible.

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