Swalwell, Duckworth Legislation Supporting Parents Traveling with Breast Milk Officially Becomes Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) announced that the White House signed the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act into law, a bipartisan victory that will make air travel safer, more consistent, and more comfortable for parents traveling with breast milk, formula, and feeding equipment.
The BABES Act is co-led in the House by U.S. Representatives Maria Salazar (R-FL), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL). U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate, co-led by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI).
This law requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to strengthen and streamline its screening protocols for breast milk, formula, and related feeding equipment. These improvements will ensure parents can navigate airport security without unnecessary delays, confusion, or the risk of contaminating essential nutrition products.
“I’m thrilled to say that the BABES Act is officially the law of the land,” said Congressman Swalwell. “As a husband and father, I know how challenging it can be to fly with a newborn. That’s why this is such an important victory for traveling mothers and families everywhere. With this law now in place, TSA officers will receive the proper training and follow strong, hygienic standards so parents can travel with confidence and babies get the nutrition they need without stress or uncertainty. This is about dignity, peace of mind, and protecting families at one of the most vulnerable moments of parenthood. I’m proud to see this bipartisan bill not only pass Congress but be signed into law for millions of families who deserve better when they travel.”
“This is a hard-won victory for so many moms who have been mistreated by TSA while traveling with breastmilk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and champions like Emily Calandrelli who spoke out on this issue for families everywhere. Our bipartisan law will make it easier for new moms to travel by ensuring the TSA keeps its employees up to speed on their own policies and updates those policies as necessary. It marks important progress to ensure parents can travel through airports with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Background & Need for the Legislation
Unsanitary screenings of breast milk and formula put infants at risk. Lactating parents must breastfeed or pump every few hours to avoid complications like clogged ducts or mastitis. Clear standards and consistent TSA training are essential to keeping traveling families safe.
The BABES Act will require TSA to:
1. Develop clear, updated guidelines for screening breast milk, formula, and feeding equipment in consultation with nationally recognized maternal health organizations;
2. Ensure TSA officers receive enhanced and consistent training on these procedures;
3. Improve communication with parents about their rights at security checkpoints;
4. Update its guidance every five years to reflect changing needs and technology.
The bill also directs an independent government watchdog to audit TSA’s compliance with these policies to ensure accountability and prevent improper handling, like the incident experienced by Emily Calandrelli, host of Emily’s Wonder Lab, whose story helped inspire this legislation.
The BABES 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.
It is also cosponsored by Reps. André Carson (D-IN), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), Luis Correa (D-CA), Nellie Pou (D-NJ), George Latimer (D-NY), Tom Souzzi (D-NY), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Josh Gotteimer (D-NJ).
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