Rep. Zeldin Calls for President Biden to Invoke Defense Production Act in Response to Baby Formula Shortage

Press Release

Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) called on President Biden to invoke the Defense Production Act of 1950 to help combat the baby formula shortage. During the first week of May, 43 percent of baby formula supplies were out of stock, up from just 7 percent out of stock in mid-April.

The Defense Production Act would allow the federal government to direct companies and mobilize the private sector to produce goods and supply services that shift the economy toward national defense priorities. In this case, the focus would be ensuring parents have access to the resources needed to feed their newborn children.

"In the past two years, we have seen the Defense Production Act used on several occasions to help ensure public safety, maintain Americans' standard of living and keep our economy moving during challenging times. A shortage of a product that is so critical to the health of young children requires that same sense of urgency. That's why I'm calling on President Biden to invoke the Defense Production Act to combat this baby formula shortage and ensure parents have reliable access to necessary baby formula products," said Congressman Zeldin.

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