House passes $28M emergency spending bill to address baby formula shortage

The House voted 231-192 on Wednesday to pass an emergency spending bill aimed at addressing the baby formula shortage.

The big picture: The U.S. has faced a nationwide baby formula shortage due to pandemic-induced supply chain issues and recent product recall. Earlier Wednesday, President Biden announced he had invoked the Defense Production Act to help address formula supply.

Details: The bill gives the Food and Drug Administration $28 million to increase its staff to help inspect baby formula before it arrives on grocery store shelves.

• It will also look "to prevent future shortages, including such steps as may be necessary to prevent fraudulent products from entering the United States market."

What they're saying: “The stories of mothers and fathers struggling to find formula and the images of empty store shelves are heartbreaking,” said Rosa DeLauro, chair of the House Appropriations Committee in a statement on Tuesday.

• “Parents and caretakers across the country cannot wait — they need our support now."
• The bill will now need to pass the Senate.