American parents and caregivers are still struggling to keep their children fed amidst the Biden Administration’s slow response to a nationwide baby formula shortage and supply chain crises.

READ: Formula Shortage is Latest Failure of Biden Administration

Now, President Biden has signed a bipartisan bill to temporarily suspend tariffs on FDA-approved infant formula, led by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Republican Leader of the House Ways and Means Committee’s Trade Subcommittee.

Rep. Smith released the following statement:

“I thank President Biden for signing the Formula Act. No family should worry whether shelves will be stocked with the formula they need to feed their infants. 

 

“While I certainly wish the president would have acted sooner—and we’re still waiting on a comprehensive plan to address the shortage of infant formula—families need action now. 

 

“This measure will help make formula more accessible and affordable by easing tariffs on imported, FDA-approved products while domestic production ramps back up. This is a step in the right direction, but our work cannot end here. We must ensure a crisis like this never happens again.”

BACKGROUND:

• Working women haven’t had it this bad in decades: they’re seeing a dangerous baby formula shortage, rising crime, rising prices, and woman-owned businesses are facing both a worker shortage and double digit inflation on the things they buy.
• HHS Secretary Becerra knew about this shortage since last year, yet the FDA only took steps to reopen a critical U.S. manufacturing facility in May.
• In June, Smith was the Republican co-lead on H.R. 8174, the Affordable and Accessible Infant Formula Act. 
• On July 13, 2022, the Formula Act (H.R. 8351) was introduced with minor technical changes to mirror Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) bill. H.R. 8351 overwhelmingly passed the House on a 421-2 vote on July 15, 2022, and passed the Senate unanimously on July 21, 2022. On Friday, the White House announced President Biden had signed the bill. 

WATCH: A. Smith: Senate Passage of Formula Act Helps Families Feed Infants

READ: A. Smith: Americans Can’t Afford More of Dems’ Failed Leadership on Broken Supply Chains