Statement by Ambassador Tai following Senate passage of the Formula Act

“Today’s vote sends a strong, bipartisan message that the United States will use all the tools at our disposal to address the infant formula shortage, strengthen the resilience of the formula supply chain, and lower costs for American families.

“This legislation will enhance the actions President Biden has taken to date, including seventeen Operation Fly Formula missions to accelerate the importation of infant formula and get it on shelves as quickly as possible. By early next week, this operation will have transported more than 61 million 8-ounce bottle equivalents to the United States. Additionally, the President is using the Defense Production Act and coordinating partnerships between the federal government and businesses to increase domestic supply.

“We are also improving the resiliency of our domestic infant formula supply chain to prevent future disruptions. On Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a comprehensive plan to ensure that families in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children can access infant formula during emergencies. Our Administration will also work with manufacturers to diversify production and meet the everyday needs of American families.

“I am grateful to congressional leaders and members from both parties for quickly passing this bill. USTR will continue working with our colleagues across the federal government, Congress, stakeholders, and our trade partners to provide safe, nutritious, and reliable infant formula to families that need it.”