U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, alongside Senators Tammy Duckworth, Steve Daines, and Ted Cruz, has reintroduced the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to facilitate safer air travel for parents carrying breast milk and breastfeeding supplies.
The proposed act mandates the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide clear and regularly updated guidelines on handling breast milk, baby formula, and related products. These updates will be developed in consultation with nationally recognized maternal health organizations.
Senator Hirono stated, “On any given day, thousands of families travel by air with milk and the supplies they need to keep their babies fed. The BABES Enhancement Act will require TSA to clarify and regularly update its guidance on handling breast milk and baby formula, helping to ensure that parents and their young children can travel with peace of mind."
The legislation seeks to address potential contamination risks associated with mishandled breast milk, which could endanger children's health. It also acknowledges the necessity for lactating parents to pump or breastfeed every few hours to prevent health issues such as clogged ducts or mastitis.
Key provisions of the BABES Enhancement Act include issuing hygienic handling guidelines for infant nutrition products, consulting with maternal health organizations for these guidelines' establishment, and updating them every five years to reflect technological advancements.
Additionally, an independent government watchdog would audit compliance with TSA's screening policies regarding passengers traveling with breast milk and other infant nutrition items.
Representative Eric Swalwell is sponsoring a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Senator Hirono has been active in advocating for more accessible travel conditions for parents transporting breastfeeding materials. In previous efforts dating back to May 2023 and June 2022, she pushed for better clarity from TSA regarding rules surrounding breastfeeding-related products at airport security checkpoints.