Support for Lee's FORMULA Act

Press Release

Since introducing the Fixing Our Regulatory Mayhem Upsetting Little Americans (FORMULA) Act, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has received wide support from congressional colleagues and outside groups. The FORMULA Act is aimed at combating domestic baby formula shortages and bolstering the supply chain to help American families feed their babies.

Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) "Over 40% of Montana's baby formula supply is out of stock, and Montana moms and dads are struggling to feed their babies because of it. This is a crisis for families in Montana, and we must prioritize the needs of these parents and children. It is critical that we combat this formula shortage and bolster the supply chain in order to get formula back on the shelves immediately."

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA): "Iowa is one of several states where half of all baby formula was sold out at the end of April, and I've heard from parents and health care providers rightfully concerned about the health and welfare of babies and patients with special medical needs. It's critically important that a reliable supply of formula is reestablished immediately. The FORMULA Act will accomplish this by removing trade and regulatory barriers to ensure infants and patients receive the nutrition they need to survive."

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS): "Parents are struggling to feed their newborns because baby formula has disappeared from the shelves," Wicker said. "Congress needs to act quickly to address this problem. I am pleased to cosponsor legislation that would provide relief and allow more product to reach the market."

Sen. Bill Cassidy M.D. (R-LA): "No mom should have to fear whether or not she will have enough formula for her child," said Dr. Cassidy. "The Biden administration knew the shortage was coming, but they did nothing. Once more, they have mismanaged an impending crisis."

Of the bill, Sen. Lee said, "American babies are going hungry and the federal government is standing in the way. Current policies, tariffs, quotas, bans, and regulations are preventing mothers and fathers from being able to make the best choices to feed their babies. My FORMULA Act will give these families relief during this unprecedented shortage. Congress needs to pass this bill immediately to protect American babies from going hungry."

Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT), the bill's sponsor in the House of Representatives: "New mothers are hunting from store to store to feed their infants," said Rep. Stewart. "This is heartbreaking to see, and it should never happen in America. Red tape led to the culmination of this crisis, and removing it is our best way out. My legislation will temporarily waive trade tariffs, allow for the importation of safe baby formula, and increase formula options here at home. To my congressional colleagues on both sides of the aisle: America's mothers and fathers need help, and there is no time to waste. Congress needs to pass this bill immediately."

Hadley Heath Manning, Director of Policy at Independent Women's Voice, said in a letter, "Independent Women's Voice, which fights to enhance people's freedom, opportunities and well-being, supports the Fixing Our Regulatory Mayhem Upsetting Little Americans (FORMULA) Act, introduced by Senator Mike Lee. … [W]e cannot sit idly by while parents grow even more helpless to feed their babies. We thank Senator Lee for his leadership on this important issue and urge all Senators and Members of Congress to support this proposed legislation if it comes to the floor for a vote."

Jessica Anderson, Executive Director of Heritage Action, said, "Big government is once again creating a crisis in President Biden's America. Thanks to a heavy handed FDA, the United States faces a baby-formula shortage, forcing American moms and dads to scramble in order to feed their children. Fortunately, Senator Lee has recognized that the best way to help parents is to get the government out of the way. The FORMULA Act, which the Senator introduced this week, will do just that by suspending burdensome regulations that are currently preventing parents from getting their children the nourishment they need."

The FORMULA Act targets supply chain disruption by temporarily waiving current protectionist trade barriers like tariffs and quotas on importation that reduce the supply and increase the price of available foreign-made formula. The bill would also waive regulations that prevent the importation of safe baby formula from abroad. This would allow American families to access safe and plentiful formula manufactured in Europe and elsewhere during the current shortage. The bill will also allow Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program recipients to use vouchers to purchase formula from any producer rather than be limited to the brand or product listed on specific vouchers--which may be unavailable.

For a one-pager of the bill, click HERE.

For bill text, click HERE.