119-HR-9007 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

Bipartisan bill would launch a three‑year HHS pilot to help families with medical needs afford infant formula or screened donor milk.

What It Does

The Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act (H.R. 9007) directs the Department of Health and Human Services to start a three‑year pilot within one year of enactment. The program could deliver aid via vouchers, reimbursements, or grants to local governments/nonprofits. It would assist eligible parents or guardians who are not WIC‑eligible in purchasing infant formula that meets federal safety standards or pasteurized donor milk from qualified milk banks. Eligibility focuses on medically documented circumstances (for the parent or the infant), requires public education about the program, and mandates annual evaluations and reports to Congress. The bill authorizes $15 million per year for FY 2027–2031 and sunsets three years after enactment.

Who’s For It

• Primary sponsors: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D‑FL) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R‑IA).
• Backers frame it as targeted help for families who medically need infant formula or donor milk but don’t qualify for WIC.
• Bipartisan sponsorship signals potential cross‑party interest in maternal–infant health and food safety issues.

Who’s Against It

• No formal opposition noted at introduction.
• Typical questions for similar proposals may include: how funds interact with existing programs (WIC/Medicaid/insurance), how eligibility will be verified without adding red tape, and whether donor‑milk supply and safety oversight are sufficient as access expands.

What’s Next

As of May 21, 2026, H.R. 9007 was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Next steps would normally include a hearing and/or markup, a possible cost estimate, and a House floor vote before any Senate consideration.