WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Zach Nunn (R-IA) have introduced a bipartisan bill to prevent another infant formula shortage. The Investing in New Families and Newborns Through (INFANT) Tax Credit Act seeks to diversify the formula supply chain by supporting small U.S.-based manufacturers like ByHeart in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Addressing Gaps in the Supply Chain
Both representatives highlighted the urgency of the issue, recalling the recent crisis that left parents scrambling for infant formula. “It wasn’t long ago that the infant formula crisis had parents across America worried about meeting their babies’ nutritional needs,” said Houlahan. She emphasized the importance of addressing supply chain weaknesses to avoid empty shelves and hungry infants in the future.
Promoting Domestic Manufacturers
The INFANT Tax Credit Act aims to support small domestic manufacturers, promoting competition and sustaining production growth. Houlahan noted that creating tax credits for these manufacturers would ensure greater access to various infant formula options for families nationwide. “The INFANT Tax Credit Act is a crucial step toward improving supply chain resiliency,” she said.
Bipartisan Support for Infant Nutrition
Rep. Nunn echoed Houlahan’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for preventive measures. “Just two years ago, millions of parents were scrambling to feed their babies,” he said. By supporting small-sized American manufacturers, Nunn believes the nation can avoid another shortage and keep children fed and happy.
Industry Support and Future Goals
ByHeart, a new U.S. formula manufacturer, expressed strong support for the bill. Co-Founder and CEO Ron Belldegrun praised the INFANT Tax Credit Act as an important step in strengthening the supply chain. “This bill will support more companies in building manufacturing facilities and offering parents more options,” Belldegrun said. He added that this legislative effort would help build a stronger infant nutrition industry and create healthier futures for babies.
Ongoing Efforts and Advocacy
In 2022, Rep. Houlahan and other state leaders, including former Governor Tom Wolf, celebrated ByHeart’s new state funding at its Berks County plant. Since then, Houlahan has been leading efforts to create new federal grant opportunities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She has also called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to modernize its food regulation policies, especially concerning infant nutrition.
Fortifying Baby Nutrition
The INFANT Tax Credit Act represents a proactive approach to ensuring the stability of the infant formula supply chain. By supporting domestic manufacturers, the bill aims to prevent future shortages and provide parents with reliable access to essential nutrition for their babies. As Houlahan and Nunn’s bipartisan effort gains momentum, it promises to fortify the nation’s ability to meet the nutritional needs of its youngest citizens.
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