12.13.23

Ranking Member Scott, Vice Ranking Member Hayes Statements on Biden Implementation of Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022

WASHINGTON – Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) and Vice Ranking Member Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statements after the Biden administration released a final rule codifying the provisions of the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022, which Congress passed last year.

Ranking Member Scott (VA-03): “All families in America should be able to keep their children fed and healthy. Regrettably, the devastating shortage of infant formula last year disproportionately hurt families that rely on WIC benefits to secure infant formula, leaving them with few options to purchase safe formula for their infants.

“That is why Congresswoman Hayes and I led House passage of the bipartisan Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 to ensure that—during public health emergencies, supply chain disruptions, product recalls, and other emergencies—families relying on WIC can use their benefits to purchase any safe infant formula products available on the shelves.

“With today’s final rule, our nation’s families can rest assured that, in times of crisis, they will be able to continue providing their infants with the nutrition they need.  I applaud the Biden administration for faithfully implementing this law and ensuring that—no matter the circumstances—we support our most vulnerable families and infants.”

Vice Ranking Member Hayes (CT-05): “When the baby formula shortage began last year, many parents were left wondering how they would feed their children. For parents enrolled in WIC, there was an added pressure of having to purchase specific formula based on program requirements. I know first-hand how critical WIC is to families, but the shortage revealed how dangerous those limitations can be.

“My Access to Baby Formula Act and the new USDA rule, will help families in the face of crisis. This rule helps strengthen a program that has historically been associated with improved infant health outcomes and reduced infant mortality.”

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Press Contact

Kota Mizutani (Scott)

Sidney Johnson (Hayes)