Bill Overview
Title: Baby Formula Emergency Act
Description: This bill authorizes the President, during an infant formula shortage or potential shortage, to allow the production and marketing or duty-free importation of infant formula that meets specified criteria, regardless of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. The criteria include that the United States has not imposed any sanctions with respect to the manufacturer of the formula and the FDA has not determined that such formula is unsafe. Further, the President must notify Congress about determinations related to supply shortages of infant formula.
Sponsors: Rep. Green, Mark E. [R-TN-7]
Target Audience
Population: Parents or guardians of infants reliant on infant formula
Estimated Size: 12000000
- Infants are directly affected by the supply of baby formula as it is often their primary source of nutrition.
- Parents and guardians of infants will be impacted as they are responsible for feeding their children and rely on formula when breastfeeding is not an option.
- Baby formula manufacturers will be affected as they may have increased competition from imports or altered regulations.
- Healthcare providers who advise on infant nutrition may face changes in guidance or practice.
- Retailers selling baby formula will be affected by changes in supply and potential shifts in consumer demand.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to address infant formula shortages, primarily affecting parents and guardians of infants who rely on formula as a primary source of nutrition. The budget constraints limit how much importation and increased production can be subsidized, which influences the extent and duration of the policy's impact.
- Considering the commonness of formula feeding and potential shortages, the policy will have varying impacts across the population, with those closely involved in infant care being most affected.
- The wellbeing scores are based on hypothetical scenarios that consider the perceived and real improvements in infant nutrition availability post-policy implementation.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's been stressful finding formula consistently. Anything to increase the supply helps.
- I'm worried about the safety standards if the imports bypass usual regulations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Retail Manager (Charlotte, NC)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stocking more formula from abroad could help stabilize our inventory.
- Monitoring safety will be crucial; we don't want recalls.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Stay-at-home mom (Houston, TX)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The situation has been tough; formula is sometimes unavailable at local shops.
- Relief through imports may make managing twins much easier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Health Policy Consultant (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is sensible in addressing shortages but long-term solutions must focus on sustaining safety standards.
- Legislative checks should ensure FDA standards are met without exception.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Nurse (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having seen the challenges young mothers face today, I support any policy that improves formula availability.
- However, I believe it's important that we don't compromise on quality.
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 (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An emergency act like this is necessary right now, many mothers are worried.
- Continued monitoring and research will ensure the policy's outcomes are health-positive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Baby Formula Manufacturer (Boston, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Importing formula might hurt domestic businesses if not regulated properly.
- We need protections to balance industry interests with consumer needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
New Mother, part-time retail (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to more formula would be great, but pricing must stay equitable.
- WIC benefits should adjust to include new imports.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Nutritionist (Denver, CO)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If expansion keeps safety in mind, it's beneficial.
- We need clear labeling and education on new products.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Grocery Store Clerk (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increasing the availability is crucial; it's tough seeing worried parents.
- Hope it's a swift and effective solution to periodic shortages.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 3: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 10: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring safety standards for imported infant formula while bypassing some FDA regulations.
- The balance between enabling imports to alleviate shortages and protecting domestic manufacturers from excessive foreign competition.
- Potential impact on bilateral trade relations due to relaxed import barriers.