U.S. SENATE – Senator Daines introduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for Montana moms to safely travel with breast milk, formula, and breastfeeding equipment.
“We need to be doing everything we can to support mothers in every environment – that includes TSA screening checkpoints,” Daines said. “Nursing mothers deserve clarity and compassion when it comes to traveling with breast milk and baby formula and I’m glad to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan bill to support Montana moms.”
The “Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act” would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula, and other related nutrition products in consultation with leading maternal health groups.
The Senator is introducing this bipartisan legislation with Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).
Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Congresswoman Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), and Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) introduced an identical companion bill in the House.
The “Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act” is endorsed by March of Dimes, the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The legislationwould better protect families by requiring TSA to:
· Issue guidance promoting the hygienic handling of any breast milk, baby formula, or other infant nutrition products, as well as accessories required to preserve these products;
· Consult with nationally recognized maternal health organizations in establishing and communicating this guidance; and
· Update its guidance every five years to respond to emerging needs of parents and to account for developments in technology.
###
Contact: Rachel Dumke, Blake Kernen