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

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Steve Daines (R-MT) successfully passed through the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST). The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act would require 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.

“Families have enough to worry about when traveling, they shouldn’t have to fear being harassed, humiliated, and even put in danger simply for traveling with milk and supplies they need to keep their babies fed,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m glad to see the Commerce Committee advance our Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act, to require TSA to clarify its guidance on handling breast milk and baby formula and help ensure parents and families can travel safely and with peace of mind.”

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: 

1. 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;
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 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.

This legislation was first introduced a few months after Emily Calandrelli, host of popular Netflix show Emily’s Wonder Lab, was delayed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) while carrying supplies she needed to safely pump milk for her 10-week-old son. Calandrelli was ultimately forced to check her items despite existing TSA guidelines that permitted her to carry them on. Calandrelli shared her story online and was flooded with hundreds of messages from other mothers who had similar experiences while traveling.

The full text of the bill is available here.

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