Ayotte Applauds House Passage of Bill to Protect Traveling Parents' Rights

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte today applauded the House of Representatives' passage of the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Act, companion legislation to a bill she introduced in the Senate. The BABES Act will better ensure that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) complies with existing guidelines regarding parents traveling with formula, breast milk, juice, or equipment required for breastfeeding. Ayotte's legislation was endorsed by the March of Dimes Foundation earlier this month.

"I'm grateful to my colleagues in the House for passing this legislation, and I'll continue to push for a vote on the Senate floor," said Senator Ayotte. "We need these common-sense protections and clarifications so mothers carrying breast milk, formula, and juice through airport security screenings don't face unnecessary and burdensome scrutiny."

The House legislation was introduced by Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), John Katko (R-NY), and Kathleen Rice (D-NY).

While all airline passengers are allowed to bring a single quart-sized bag of liquids through security checkpoints, TSA has an established exemption for formula, breast milk, and juice. However, problems with compliance and a lack of awareness from TSA agents about existing policy have led to situations where some women have been unfairly required to throw out baby formula or breast milk in order to clear security and board a commercial airplane.

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