Joe Biden.Photo: Scott Olson/Getty
On Wednesday, Biden announced that he is “invoking” the Defense Production Act in an effort to improve formula production in the U.S.
“I know parents all across the country are worried about finding enough infant formula to feed their babies. As a parent and as a grandparent, I know just how stressful that is,” Biden said as he addressed the shortage in a video shared on the President’s official Twitter page.
Hecontinued, “I want to provide a few updates on our work to get more formula into the United States and onto store shelves so it’s available to you. I’m invoking what they call the Defense Product Act to ensure that manufacturers have the necessary ingredients to make safe, healthy infant formula here at home.”
“The Defense Production Act gives the government the ability to require suppliers to direct needed resources to infant formula manufacturers before any other customer who may have ordered that good,” Biden explained.
Also in his message, he rolled out Operation Fly Formula, which will “speed up the import of infant formula” to provide local stores with more of the much-needed product.
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He concluded that increasing the amount of available formula “is one of my top priorities.”
In a PSA Tuesday, First LadyJill Biden, 70, shareda message for parentsamid the shortage.
Dr. Biden said that she recognizes the frustrations of American parents — and that the Biden administration is “working around the clock to get you what you need.”
“Becoming a mom or dad means falling in love deeper than you ever thought possible,” said Dr. Biden, who appears in the PSA alongside Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. “And in those first few months of sleepless nights, of endless diapers and dirty dishes…and worrying about every little danger, your love can feel like the only thing that keeps you going.”
RELATED VIDEO: First Lady Jill Biden Addresses Parents Amid Nationwide Formula Shortage in New PSA
“I know that you have questions. Any parent would,” Dr. Biden said in part. “So, call your pediatrician. They can provide you the best, most updated advice. And share this with your friends, to help them as well. Most of all, know that we’re here for you and you’re not alone.”
source: people.com
