Federal financial assistance would be provided to certain individuals to purchase infant formula under a bipartisan bill cosponsored on May 22 by U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and now pending in the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.
The Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act, H.R. 9007, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), is designed to help families afford infant formula or donor breast milk when a medical condition prohibits breastfeeding.
“This bipartisan bill is about supporting families during some of the hardest moments of their lives and making sure babies get the nutrition they need to thrive,” said Rep. Hinson. “I’m proud to work with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the moms and dads who brought this need to our attention.”
H.R. 9007 is named for Constance McDaniel, a United States military veteran, mother, and advocate who died from triple-negative breast cancer in 2025. McDaniel underwent chemotherapy while pregnant and after her baby was born she learned that she was unable to breastfeed — and that her insurance would not cover the cost of infant formula, according to a bill summary provided by the congresswoman’s staff.
“As a mom, I can’t imagine the heartbreak of wanting to provide for your baby but being physically unable to breastfeed because of cancer, chronic illness, or another serious medical challenge,” Rep. Hinson said. “Yet, it is still too common — parents in those situations should be focused on caring for their child, not worrying about whether they can afford medically necessary formula or donor milk.”
If enacted, H.R. 9007 would establish the Medically Necessary Infant Formula Pilot Program within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide financial assistance for eligible individuals to purchase covered infant formula or donor milk.
The bill has been endorsed by Bobbie for Change, the Breasties, the Brightspot Network, the Chick Mission, Kasem, 4KiraforMoms, and the Hope for PDCD Foundation.
“It’s more important than ever that parents who need these nutritious products for their newborns out of medical necessity can get them,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “I look forward to continuing this partnership and ensuring the Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act becomes law.”