Republicans shrug at formula shortage

Des Moines, Iowa - Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to U.S. House passing a $28 million emergency spending bill to address the nationwide shortage of baby formula:

"Iowans work hard for our families, but things are tough right now. Many are struggling to make ends meet. Families with infants are worried about where their child's next meal will come from as we face a nationwide baby formula shortage.

"Thankfully, leaders like President Joe Biden and Congresswoman Cindy Axne are working to combat the nationwide shortage. President Biden has invoked the Defense Protection Act to get formula back on shelves, and Rep. Axne voted in favor of a bill that would send $28 million to the FDA to boost formula supply.

"After blaming President Biden for the formula shortage, all of Iowa's Republican Congressional delegation voted against the measure. We know the shortage is actually due to corporate greed and the fact that only four manufacturers are responsible for nearly all of the country's infant formula sales. For years, Republicans have allowed corporations to consolidate and have even rewarded them with massive tax breaks.

"We must hold our Republican lawmakers accountable for their role in this crisis and voting against a bill that would combat the formula shortage. We must also call on Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to vote yes on the emergency spending bill to get infant formula back on store shelves."