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

WASHINGTON, D.C.– After unanimouslypassing the Senatein 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. TheBottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Actrequires 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 theBottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Actsigned into law, as it will help to ensure that these families can travel safely, while keeping their children healthy.”
The bipartisanBABES Enhancement Acthelps 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 typicallyneed to breastfeed or pumponce 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:
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 previouslyintroducedtheBottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) EnhancementAct in September 2022 and May 2023. In June 2022, Senator Hironocalledon 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 availablehere.
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