U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) on June 9 joined several Republicans to introduce legislation that would address the nation’s baby formula shortage and help prevent any future crisis.
“As a physician and a father of four children, I know just how critical it is to ensure that babies have the proper nutrients to grow into healthy adults,” said Rep. Bucshon, who cosponsored the More Options for Infants and Parents Act, H.R. 8010, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY).
If enacted, H.R. 8010 would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to act upon pending submissions for new infant formula to increase regulatory flexibility in the event of an infant formula shortage, according to the text of the bill, which has eight original cosponsors, including Rep. Bucshon and U.S. Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), John Joyce (R-PA), and Buddy Carter (R-GA).
“Due to the ongoing baby formula shortage crisis, many Hoosier families have struggled to find formula and this crisis is one that Hoosier parents should never have to face again,” Rep. Bucshon said. “This is why I cosponsored the More Options for Infants and Parents Act to put in place policies that will help ensure Hoosier families will not have to worry about shortages in the future.”
Specifically, H.R. 8010 would require the Food and Drug Administration to review all pending baby formula submissions under federal law no later than 14 days after the bill’s enactment, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Bucshon’s office.
Additionally, the bill would require the HHS Secretary to publish and maintain an up-to-date list on the FDA’s website that details appropriate substitutes for certain formula products, and would give the HHS Secretary the ability to waive any applicable labeling and nutritional requirements to facilitate substitutions for products in shortage, the summary says.
H.R. 8010 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.