WASHINGTON, D.C., July 21, 2022 – Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) issued the following statement after the Senate passed the bipartisan Formula Act (H.R. 8351) by unanimous consent. Led by DelBene, this bill would help alleviate the infant formula shortage by removing trade tariffs on safe formula from trusted foreign suppliers:
“The baby formula crisis continues to be a major concern for parents around the country. The Formula Act will be a powerful tool to help us tackle this ongoing shortage and make it easier for families to buy affordable formula. I want to thank Senator Lee for his leadership in moving our bill through the Senate quickly so we can deliver this bill to President Biden’s desk. This speaks to Congress’ overwhelming bipartisan commitment to helping families through this crisis,” said DelBene.
The Formula Act passed the House Friday, July 15, 421-2 and now goes to President Biden for his expected signature.
Washington was one of ten states where the out-of-stock rate for formula was higher than 90%, at the end of May with nationwide rates at 74%. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acted swiftly to allow for the import of safe formula from trusted partners around the world, tariffs on these products increase the cost of formula by 27% on average. The Formula Act would temporarily suspend these tariffs until the end of the year to lower prices for families that are struggling to feed their children.
DelBene spoke on the House floor in support of this legislation. Original cosponsors of the bill include Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee Chair Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Adrian Smith (NE-03), John Larson (CT-01), Dan Kildee (MI-05), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Mike Thompson (CA-05), Jason Smith (MO-08), Judy Chu (CA-27), Gregory Murphy (NC-03), David Kustoff (TN-08), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Carol Miller (WV-03), Danny Davis (IL-07), and Tom Rice (SC-07).
A summary of the bill can be found here.
