REP. SALAZAR’S LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT PARENTS TRAVELING WITH BREAST MILK AND BABY FOOD PASSES HOUSE, HEADS TO THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27) helped pass the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act, which is now headed to the President’s desk to become law. The legislation will make it easier for parents to safely travel with breast milk. Salazar was an original co-lead of this bill.

The BABES Act requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to strengthen and streamline protocols for screening breast milk, formula, and feeding equipment. These improvements will help ensure that parents can navigate airport security without unnecessary delays, confusion, or risk to essential nutrition products.

“I am proud to co-lead this much-needed law to protect families and the essential breastmilk, formula and baby food their children depend on," said Congresswoman Salazar. "For years, I’ve heard heartbreaking stories of parents and breastfeeding mothers facing inconsistent policies at airport checkpoints, because of the absence of clear TSA standards. That's wrong, and the government should never stand between parents and their child's nourishment while traveling. This bill guarantees clear rules, proper training, and full transparency so parents can travel knowing their baby food will be protected, not mishandled or thrown away.”

“As a husband and father, I know how overwhelming traveling with a newborn can be. Having a baby in your arms is already a challenge and the last thing mothers should worry about is whether their breast milk or formula will be mishandled at the checkpoint,” said Congressman Swalwell. “This is a huge win for traveling mothers. The BABES Act ensures TSA officers receive proper training and follow robust hygienic standards so parents can travel with confidence. This is about giving families peace of mind and making sure babies have the nutrition they need. I’m proud this bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.”

“As a mom, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to travel when you are breastfeeding or worried about how to feed your child,” said Representative Pettersen. “Like so many moms, I've experienced the frustration of having to throw out milk or pumping supplies, despite them being TSA-approved. Outdated regulations or lack of training shouldn’t add to an already stressful situation. We need clear policies about how TSA handles breast milk, baby formula, and pumping supplies so parents can travel without worrying that they will be confiscated, contaminated or mishandled. I’m glad to see it pass in the House with bipartisan support, a commonsense step to support families and keep our kids safe and healthy.”

“As a mother, I understand how stressful traveling with a young child can already be,” said Representative Luna. “Parents should not have to worry about whether TSA will mishandle breast milk or formula. The BABES Act brings needed consistency, hygiene, and common sense to these screenings so families can travel with confidence. I am glad to join my colleagues in advancing this bipartisan, pro-family legislation.”

“After pushing for this for years, I’m proud that Congress passed this long-overdue legislation to make it easier for new moms to travel with their breast milk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our bipartisan legislation will ensure the TSA keeps its employees up to speed on their own policies and updates those policies as necessary. It’s the least we can do to help parents travel through airports with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Under the BABES Enhancement Act, TSA will:

• Develop clear and consistent guidelines in consultation with nationally recognized maternal health organizations for screening breast milk, formula, and related feeding equipment; 
   
• Ensure all TSA officers receive enhanced training on these procedures to prevent improper handling or disposal; 
   
• Improve transparency and communication with travelers about their rights when transporting these critical items; and 
   
• Update its guidance every five years to respond to the emerging needs of parents and to account for developments in technology. 

This bill also would 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.

The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act is endorsed by March of Dimes, the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, MomsRising, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. 

Read the full text of the bill here.