Kildee Votes For Emergency Funding to Address Infant Formula Shortage

WASHINGTON-Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, voted this week for legislation to help address a nationwide infant formula shortage.

The Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act provides $28 million in emergency funding to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address the urgent formula shortage and to help prevent it from ever happening again.

"As a parent, I understand the anxiety of parents struggling to find formula for their newborns. Because of a major product recall and supply chain issues from the pandemic, our nation's supply of infant formula has been impacted. Congress must act to address the infant formula shortage and ensure this issue never happens again. I am glad the House passed these emergency bills, and I hope that the U.S. Senate will take them up for consideration without delay," said Congressman Kildee.

This infant formula shortage was caused largely by a manufacturing recall, the closure of a major manufacturing plant and ongoing pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. In February, Abbott Nutrition facility recalled several infant formula products, and the FDA issued a warning to consumers not to use these recalled products. Abbott Nutrition's recall disproportionately impacted infants participating in Women Infant and Children (WIC).

Additionally, Congressman Kildee helped pass the Access to Baby Formula Act, which grants the U.S. Department of Agriculture the ability to waive WIC program requirements so families can purchase infant formula.