Bill Overview
Title: Urgently Feeding America’s Babies Act of 2022
Description: This bill addresses a shortage in the domestic supply of infant formula. Specifically, the bill directs the President to immediately use existing authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to ensure the supply of infant formula. That act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration must (1) establish, within 15 days, a process to allow importation of infant formula from the European Union; and (2) publish safety guidelines for imported infant formula.
Sponsors: Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]
Target Audience
Population: Global infants reliant on formula feeding
Estimated Size: 3600000
- Infants in the US who rely on formula will directly benefit from increased supply.
- Parents and caregivers will benefit from reduced stress and increased availability of formula.
- Approximate birth rate in the US is around 3.6 million births per year, many of whom may rely on formula.
- The legislation will impact the US infant population, particularly those less than one year in age.
Reasoning
- The focus group consists mainly of parents and caregivers of infants, who are directly impacted by the supply of infant formula.
- The policy aims to resolve immediate shortages, so those most affected will likely see a significant improvement in wellbeing immediately after implementation.
- Not everyone in the group will be heavily affected; some may already have access to sufficient formula through alternate means or may prefer breastfeeding.
- The impact will vary by socioeconomic status, location, and personal circumstances.
- Given the birth rate and the size of the target population, it is essential to include a diverse set of voices to assess the policy's wide-ranging impact.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The formula shortage has been stressful, making it difficult to find what I need for my baby.
- It's good to know there is a plan to increase the formula supply soon.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With twins, the formula shortage has doubled our stress.
- I'm hopeful this policy means we won't have to drive to other states to find formula.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Stay-at-home mom (Houston, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful this will make formula easier to get, but I've been managing so far with some help from friends.
- I wish there were more support for breastfeeding too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retail Worker (San Diego, CA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This shortage might mean finding affordable formula will get even harder.
- The policy is a step in the right direction, and I hope it works fast.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Farmer (Rural Indiana)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It has been tough finding good formula in such a rural area, which adds stress to our lives.
- Any help to alleviate this is welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Pediatrician (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My patients have been struggling with the formula shortage, making it hard to support them.
- This policy should help, but it needs to be swift and well-managed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Graduate Student (Portland, OR)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The idea of running out of formula is terrifying as a new parent.
- It's encouraging to see steps being taken to address the shortage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Chef (Chicago, IL)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With moving and starting a new job, having a formula shortage was the last thing we needed.
- The policy should ease some of the stress of settling into a new place with a baby.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Biotechnician (Boston, MA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Even as someone who breastfeeds, having backup formula available is important for emergencies.
- I'm glad the government is stepping up in this regard.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Marketing Manager (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.25 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We were a bit out of the loop on the shortage, as our young one transitioned quickly to solid foods.
- I see the policy more as a general good for the population than a personal necessity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $700000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The urgency of addressing formula shortages to prevent nutritional deficits in infants.
- Balancing imports with domestic production to ensure safety and compliance.
- Potential over-reliance on imports may impact long-term domestic production strategies.
- Upholding standards of safe and nutritious formula products for infants.