September 26, 2024

Bipartisan Duckworth-Daines-Hirono Bill to Better Protect Parents Traveling with Breast Milk Passes Senate

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies unanimously passed the U.S. Senate this week. The Senator’s Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act, co-led by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk and breastfeeding supplies, baby formula and other related products in consultation with leading maternal health groups. Congresswoman Katie Porter (D-CA-47) is the lead sponsor of bipartisan companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“This is an important vote for traveling moms everywhere after too many of them have been mistreated and wrongfully denied access to their breast milk and the breastfeeding equipment that they need,” said Senator Duckworth. “I hope the House swiftly passes our bill so we can finally move closer to preventing these incidents from ever happening again—because all parents should be able to travel through airports with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

“Being a mom is a tough job, and supporting families is one of my top priorities. I’m glad to see the bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act pass the Senate, which will streamline TSA interactions for mothers transporting breastmilk, making it easier and safer for them to travel while breastfeeding,” said Senator Daines.

“Thousands of families with young children travel by air every day, so it is critical that the TSA has updated and clear guidance on how to handle breast milk, baby formula, and other related products during their screening process,” said Senator Hirono. “The BABES Act will help ensure that families can travel without fear of being harassed or humiliated simply for traveling with the supplies they need to keep their babies fed. This legislation will help preserve the health, safety, and dignity of parents and families as they travel through airports across the country and I’m proud that it has passed in the Senate.”

The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act would help keep breastfeeding parents and their kids safe and healthy while traveling by air. Mishandled breast milk can become contaminated, which puts children at risk. Moreover, parents who lactate typically need to breastfeed or pump once every few hours. Failure to do so can result in a clogged milk duct, or a painful infection called mastitis. The legislation would 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 guidance every five years to respond to emerging needs of parents and to account for developments in technology.

This legislation would also direct an independent government watchdog to conduct an audit of compliance with TSA screening policies for passengers traveling with breast milk and other infant nutrition products, providing lawmakers with information related to violations of policies.

Duckworth has been a strong advocate in ensuring new moms receive the dignity and respect they deserve while traveling. In 2022, Duckworth pressed TSA Administrator David Pekoske for improved treatment of new mothers and Americans with disabilities from employees of the TSA. That same year, Duckworth and Hirono also called on TSA to address inconsistent implementation of the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption travel policy for breastmilk and formula at airport security checkpoints as well as ensure new moms and their infants can travel safely without fear of harassment.

Duckworth has also championed several policies that help make air travel easier for new moms and Americans with disabilities, including her Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation ensuring that small airports across the country support new moms and promote breastfeeding-friendly environments, was signed into law in 2020. The legislation builds on Duckworth’s success in enacting a law that ensures all large and medium airports provide a clean, private space where moms can breastfeed or pump. As a result of her legislation, O’Hare and Midway Airports both installed free-standing lactation pods for new mothers as a result of Duckworth’s FAM Improvement Act.

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