Press Releases

Chief Deputy Whip Drew Ferguson (GA-03) today joined a bipartisan group of members on the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee to introduce the Bulk Infant Formula to Retail Shelved Act. This legislation would boost domestic baby formula production and get more product on shelves amid the continued shortage across the United States by temporarily lifting tariffs on safe imported ‘base powder’ – a key component that is mixed with nutrients and other ingredients to make the formula.

“Baby formula isn’t a luxury, it’s an absolute necessity and the sole source of nutrition for nearly one-fifth of our nation’s infants,” said Congressman Ferguson. “No parent should have to ration baby formula to feed their child, which is why we took action to temporarily reduce tariffs through the Formula Act. As the formula crisis continues to impact families across America, Congress must do more to bring relief and ensure this crisis doesn’t get worse. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation to lift tariffs on critical baby formula ingredients like base powder.”


Background:

Earlier this year, Congress passed the Formula Act, a bill led by the same group of lawmakers that temporarily lifted tariffs on safe imported baby formula. The bipartisan bill was overwhelmingly supported in the House and Senate. It is currently reducing the cost of imported formula for parents by over 25%. While the formula crisis has eased slightly from its 86% out-of-stock rate high in May, it has only improved to 61%.