Maloney Votes to Resolve Baby Formula Shortage

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) voted to pass legislation to resolve the recent baby formula shortages in the United States. The two bills, the Access to Baby Formula Act and the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act, will increase the accessibility of baby formula and address supply chain shortages, including by modifying the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to help families in need.

"As the proud father of three adopted kids, I know first-hand how essential it is for families to have easy access to formula. Today, the House took action to address recent shortages and ensure no parent has to worry about providing the nutrition their kids need," said Rep. Maloney. "While this shortage was caused by a number of factors, including a contamination at a major formula plant, the bills we passed today will provide rapid relief by waiving unnecessary requirements to get formula to the families most in need."

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Background on H.R. 7791, Access to Baby Formula Act:

• H.R. 7791 was passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 414 - 9.
• The Access to Baby Formula Act:
  • Enhances flexibility at the WIC program to address supply chain issues related to baby formula.
  • Grants the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the authority to waive certain requirements so vulnerable families can continue purchasing safe infant formula with their WIC benefits.
  • Allows waivers for WIC's medical documentation requirements for non-contract formula.
• Full text of the legislation is available here.

Background on H.R. 7790, Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act:

• H.R. 7790 was passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 231 - 192.
• The Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act:
  • Grants $28 million in emergency funding to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for resources to address the urgent infant formula shortage.
  • Provides FDA with resources to prevent fraudulent formula products from being placed on shelves.
  • Increases FDA inspection staff to strengthen the workforce focused on formula issues.
• Full text of the legislation is available here.

Background on Rep. Maloney's Recent Efforts to Advocate for Children:

Throughout his tenure in Congress, Rep. Maloney has consistently advocated for child-related issues by delivering federal funds to early childhood education programs and supporting family resource centers across the Hudson Valley.

• Rep. Maloney has secured more than $10 million dollars for Head Start programs across the district.
• In 2021, Rep. Maloney voted for the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act to provide relief for New York's families through the expansion of the Child Tax Credit.
• In 2020, Rep. Maloney called on the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue providing school meals for children who qualify for free and reduced-price school meals. More information can be found here.

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