The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act Has Passed!
- farverm
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act passed the House unanimously by voice vote on November 17, 2025, requiring the TSA to provide clearer guidelines, better training, and improved communication for screening breast milk, formula, and feeding gear to prevent contamination and mishandling, ultimately becoming law in early December 2025 to make air travel easier for parents.
Key Provisions of the BABES Enhancement Act:
Clearer Guidelines: Directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop updated, clearer rules for screening breast milk, formula, and related items like ice packs.
Enhanced Training: Ensures TSA officers receive better, more consistent training on these procedures.
Improved Communication: Mandates better communication with parents about their rights at security checkpoints.
Accountability: Requires an independent audit by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General to check TSA compliance.
Hygienic Standards: Focuses on minimizing contamination risks for breast milk, formula, and necessary cooling accessories.
Legislative Journey:
Introduced: The bill (H.R. 820/S. 260) was introduced in the 119th Congress by members like Senators Duckworth, Hirono, Daines, and Reps. Porter, Swalwell, Pettersen, and Salazar.
Passed House: Unanimously by voice vote on November 17, 2025, as reported by House.gov and Congress.gov.
Passed Senate: Also passed with unanimous consent.
Became Law: Signed by the President in late November/early December 2025, officially making it law.
This bipartisan effort aims to support traveling parents by ensuring their infant's vital nutrition isn't confiscated or contaminated during airport security.
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