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Bipartisan Hirono-Duckworth-Daines-Cruz Bill to Better Protect Parents Traveling with Breast Milk Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After unanimously passing the Senate in May and passing the House in November, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies has been signed into law. The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on handling breast milk, baby formula and other related nutrition products, including ice packs, in consultation with leading maternal health groups.

“Parents and families deserve to be able to travel with peace of mind that they will not be harassed, humiliated, or put in danger, simply for traveling with milk and supplies to feed their babies,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to see the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act signed into law, as it will help to ensure that these families can travel safely, while keeping their children healthy.”

The bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act helps 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 better protects families by requiring TSA to:

  1. Issue guidance promoting the hygienic handling of any breast milk, baby formula and other infant nutrition products, as well as accessories required to preserve these products;
  2. Consult with nationally recognized maternal health organizations in establishing and communicating this guidance; and
  3. Update guidance every five years to respond to emerging needs of parents and to account for developments in technology.

This legislation also directs 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.

Senator Hirono has and continues to advocate for parents’ ability to travel with ease and respect while breastfeeding. Senator Hirono previously introduced the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act in September 2022 and May 2023. In June 2022, Senator Hirono called on the TSA to address inconsistent implementation of the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption travel policy for breastmilk and formula at airport security checkpoints, and ensure lactating individuals and their infants can travel safely without fear of harassment.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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