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: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: People who rely on infant formula to feed babies
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The bill specifically targets the domestic supply of infant formula, which is used to feed infants who are not breastfeeding.
- The well-being of infants dependent on formula is directly impacted by the availability and safety of this product.
- Parents or caregivers who rely on infant formula for their children's nutrition will be affected.
- Raw data indicates that globally millions of babies are partially or fully fed on formula.
- Worldwide shortages may not be consistent, but developed countries generally have higher formula usage rates.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to address a critical shortage of infant formula which directly impacts a significant segment of the population - particularly those responsible for infant care.
- The policy is expected to provide immediate and short-term relief by utilizing the Defense Production Act and by facilitating the importation of formula from the EU.
- Given the budget constraints and the necessity to act swiftly, the policy will likely see initial success in increasing the supply, though long-term concerns about sustainability may exist.
- The extent to which this policy impacts individual well-being will vary based on reliance on formula, socio-economic status, and access within different communities.
- Some families may experience profound relief due to reduced anxiety over formula shortages, while others may see little change in overall well-being.
- Among the target population, the policy's impact could range from high for families experiencing severe shortages to none for those who are not reliant on formula.
Simulated Interviews
Marketing Manager (New York, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Very concerned about the ongoing formula shortages, it's been a constant source of stress.
- Hopeful that increased production and imports will alleviate the issues temporarily.
- Worried about the long-term sustainability of formula supply.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Software Developer (Austin, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's challenging to find the right formula type frequently.
- The policy seems like a necessary step, especially for specialty formulas which are already hard to find.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Freelancer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The shortage has made it extremely difficult to maintain a stable feeding schedule.
- Any improvement in the situation would be welcome, hopeful this policy will help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Nurse (Chicago, IL)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The decision to focus on importation is sensible given the domestic production issues.
- Concerns about safety standards for imports but willing to trust FDA oversight.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Financial Analyst (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Appreciates the government taking action, though the personal impact is low due to child weaning.
- Believes this could help stabilize related job sectors too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Receptionist (Miami, FL)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's been emotionally and financially draining to secure the right formula.
- This policy gives hope but there are concerns about continued availability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's concerning to see such a critical issue arise, but we aren't affected personally.
- It's important the government addresses these kinds of shortages.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Elementary School Teacher (Salt Lake City, UT)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Fortunately, we haven't had to rely much on formula, but I buy it as a safety net.
- It's scary to think formulas might not be there if needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Store Manager (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Running out of formula has been a real problem both personally and professionally.
- The policy seems necessary but changes need to happen fast.
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 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Stay-at-home Mom (Denver, CO)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I just want to ensure my baby is getting what she needs without worry.
- The policy could prevent us from facing supply issues, which is a relief.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $2500000000)
Year 2: $1800000000 (Low: $1400000000, High: $2200000000)
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
- Ensuring safety and quality of imported formula is critical to avoid any health risks.
- The bill's quick enactment is essential for addressing immediate shortages.
- Long-term reliance on imports should be minimized to avoid dependency and encourage local production.