[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 27, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H5950-H5952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           BOTTLES AND BREASTFEEDING EQUIPMENT SCREENING ACT

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 5065) to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify air 
carriers and security screening personnel of the Transportation 
Security Administration of such Administration's guidelines regarding 
permitting baby formula, breast milk, and juice on airplanes, and for 
other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 5065

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Bottles and Breastfeeding 
     Equipment Screening Act''.

     SEC. 2. TSA SECURITY SCREENING GUIDELINES FOR BABY FORMULA, 
                   BREAST MILK, PURIFIED DEIONIZED WATER FOR 
                   INFANTS, AND JUICE ON AIRPLANES; TRAINING ON 
                   SPECIAL PROCEDURES.

       Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Administrator of the Transportation Security 
     Administration shall--
       (1) notify air carriers and security screening personnel of 
     the Transportation Security Administration and personnel of 
     private security companies providing security screening 
     pursuant to section 44920 of title 49, United States Code, of 
     such Administration's guidelines regarding permitting baby 
     formula, breast milk, purified deionized water for infants, 
     and juice on airplanes under the Administration's guidelines 
     known as the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption; and
       (2) in training procedures for security screening personnel 
     of the Administration and private security companies 
     providing security screening pursuant to section 44920 of 
     title 49, United States Code, include training on special 
     screening procedures.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Katko) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Richmond) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 
5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include any extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Washington (Ms. Herrera Beutler), the sponsor of this bill.
  Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Katko for his support 
and collaboration on this important piece of legislation.
  Today, I am excited to support a bipartisan bill that I introduced, 
the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act, or the BABES 
Act, to ensure that families aren't being penalized for simply trying 
to travel with supplies and equipment necessary to take care of their 
babies.
  For parents, working moms, and caretakers, air travel can present its 
own unique challenges. To accommodate these challenges, the 
Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, has important 
exemptions in place that allow passengers to bring breast milk, 
bottles, and feeding equipment through airport security and on board 
the aircraft. It exempts them from the 3-1-1 rule.
  You can imagine how important this is during longer flights for moms 
who have to be away from their infants for extended periods of time. I 
have been in this situation. This is critical.
  Unfortunately, although this exemption is in place, we have seen a 
problem with compliance. There have been too many instances reported by 
parents that TSA officials either didn't know or simply refused to 
follow these exemptions. Parents who are trying to follow these rules 
are consistently singled out for harassment-like scrutiny by TSA. This 
has led to breast milk being forcibly tossed out, equipment being 
broken, and flights missed.
  Mr. Speaker, a family following TSA's posted regulations shouldn't 
have to have their breast milk thrown out, shouldn't have to endure the 
travel nightmare of missing flights while they are traveling with kids 
because of the lack of training on the agency's part.
  The BABES Act is a commonsense measure. It will hold TSA accountable 
in upholding its own current regulations and standards. I urge adoption 
of this important legislation.
  I include in the Record two letters in support of this bill, one from 
the American Academy of Pediatrics and one from the March of Dimes.

                               American Academy of Pediatrics,

                                                     May 17, 2016.
     Hon. Jaime Herrera Beutler,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative Herrera Beutler: On behalf of the 
     American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a professional 
     organization of 64,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric 
     medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists 
     dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, 
     children,

[[Page H5951]]

     adolescents, and young adults, I write to express our 
     appreciation for your efforts to ensure that the 
     Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides 
     adequate support and accommodation for breastfeeding mothers.
       The AAP strongly recommends breastfeeding as the preferred 
     feeding method for all infants, including preterm newborn 
     infants. Breastfeeding has proven to have numerous health 
     benefits for both mother and child. Studies show that 
     children who are not breastfed have higher rates of 
     mortality, meningitis, some types of cancers, asthma and 
     other respiratory illnesses, bacterial and viral infections, 
     ear infections, juvenile diabetes, some chronic liver 
     diseases, allergies and obesity. Due to the resounding 
     evidence of improved child health and well-being, AAP 
     recommends that mothers breastfeed exclusively for about the 
     first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding for at 
     least the first year of a child's life as complementary foods 
     are introduced.
       Although TSA already permits parents traveling with infants 
     to carry breast milk and formula on board planes, many 
     parents encounter barriers when traveling with these liquids. 
     The important efforts you've undertaken would help ensure 
     that the TSA is providing ongoing training to its agents to 
     ensure that current guidelines are consistently enforced, 
     thereby helping to guarantee that parents are able to carry 
     the supplies they need to care for their children while 
     traveling.
       The Academy is grateful to you for your commitment to the 
     safety and well-being of infants and children and we look 
     forward to working with you and the TSA to ensure consistent 
     and appropriate training and policies that accommodate 
     pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
           Sincerely,
     Karen Remley, MD, MBA, MPH, FAAP,
       CEO/Executive Director.
                                  ____

                                        March of Dimes Foundation,


                                 Office of Government Affairs,

                                               September 19, 2016.
     Hon. Jaime Herrera Beutler,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congresswoman Herrera Beutler: The March of Dimes, a 
     unique collaboration of scientists, clinicians, parents, 
     members of the business community, and other volunteers 
     representing every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto 
     Rico, applauds your efforts to support breastfeeding mothers 
     and offers our endorsement for HR 5065, the Bottles and 
     Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Act.
       Evidence demonstrates that breastfeeding has a range of 
     significant health benefits for both mother and child. For 
     the infant, the benefits of breastfeeding include protecting 
     the newborn against infections, lowering the risk of sudden 
     infant death syndrome (SIDS), and decreasing the risk for 
     future health problems, including obesity. Unfortunately, 
     many mothers experience obstacles to breastfeeding, including 
     those associated with commercial air travel. The media has 
     reported numerous cases in which women encounter difficulties 
     bringing breastmilk, formula and infant feeding equipment 
     through airport security checkpoints, despite Transit 
     Security Administration (TSA) policies that allow these items 
     in carry-on baggage.
       The BABES Act would help eliminate this unnecessary hurdle 
     by directing the TSA to ensure that all agents across the 
     country are appropriately trained on TSA's policies and 
     procedures related to mothers and families traveling with 
     breastmilk, formula and infant feeding equipment. These 
     trainings will help to ensure that agents follow established 
     policies to ensure that women who choose to breastfeed face 
     one less barrier to doing so while travelling.
       The March of Dimes appreciates your leadership on this 
     important issue, and we look forward to continuing to work 
     with you to promote infant health and nutrition.
           Sincerely,
                                            Dr. Jennifer L. Howse,
                                                        President.

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act is commonsense 
legislation introduced by the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Herrera 
Beutler). This bill codifies into law a current policy of the TSA to 
allow formula, breast milk, and juice through airport screening 
checkpoints. Although the 3-1-1 liquids rule was put in place to 
respond to a very real and critical threat to aviation, we must ensure 
that these restrictions do not interfere with a woman's ability to feed 
her child.
  As a father, a husband, and a brother of five sisters, I know the 
challenges of providing care to babies; and I know that this challenge 
is particularly great for traveling mothers who are breastfeeding their 
children.
  This bill would greatly alleviate the restrictions relating to breast 
milk and allow families to go through checkpoints, with babies, 
quickly. This bill also gives parents one less thing to worry about on 
the way to the airport and ensures that the frontline officers at the 
airport checkpoints receive the proper training on implementing this 
important exception to a security regulation. I urge my colleagues to 
join me in supporting H.R. 5065.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in support of H.R. 5065, the Bottles and Breastfeeding 
Equipment Screening Act.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important that those caring for young children are 
allowed to bring formula, breast milk, juice, and other necessary items 
through security checkpoints. Transportation Security Administration 
checkpoint security protocols already allow for this, but there is 
evidence that confusion about how these liquids are to be handled still 
exists. H.R. 5065 calls for TSA to ensure that air carriers and 
screening personnel are made aware of the TSA guidelines for screening 
these necessities.
  I would note that amendments adopted during the full committee markup 
of these bills made the bill stronger. The committee unanimously 
accepted amendments offered by Representative Rice, the ranking member 
of the Subcommittee on Transportation Security, to ensure that this 
legislation is carried out by TSA in a manner so that its policies are 
followed whether a mother is traveling through an airport with TSA or 
with private screening.
  Importantly, the committee also adopted an amendment by 
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee to clarify that purified deionized 
water for infants is also allowed.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this legislation.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman from 
Louisiana for his leadership. Let me thank my good friend from New York 
for his leadership, and the author of the legislation as well.
  Again, let me compliment the Committee on Homeland Security along 
with the chairman, Mr. McCaul, and the ranking member, Mr. Thompson, 
because we find many opportunities to work together in a bipartisan 
manner as it relates to the security of this Nation.
  I rise to support the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening 
Act, as amended, by Representative Herrera Beutler, H.R. 5065, and 
again congratulate those who brought this particular legislation 
forward. I am very grateful that my amendment regarding deionized water 
passed as an additional aspect of what breastfeeding mothers can bring.
  Let me say that although we continue to work on challenges, TSA has 
been on the front lines of this Nation's safety and security since 9/11 
and its creation under a large umbrella, which is the Department of 
Homeland Security. Our committee has given oversight to this particular 
agency. We have worked to make sure that we close the loopholes, if you 
will, for the traveling public.
  Aviation is still one of the largest and most attractive targets of 
terrorists. We understand the responsibility of the Transportation 
Security Administration and our TSO officers. Their job is not an easy 
one. We have placed a lot of rules. We had a moment when there were 
questions of what could be brought through the checkpoint. In this 
instance, this is both common sense, and these provisions will help 
innocent Americans traveling with their young, their babies, their 
wonderful children or grandchildren the opportunity to make sure that 
they have the items that these children need. We have seen them 
traveling on our many planes and traveling across the Nation.
  I want to support this legislation on the basis of common sense, 
aviation security, national security, and working together to help our 
mothers as they travel throughout this Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5065 the ``Bottles and 
Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act'' which codifies the practices 
already in place that allow liquids intended for infants and babies on 
flights.
  I thank my colleague on the Homeland Security Congresswoman Herrera 
Beutler for

[[Page H5952]]

authoring this bill, which requires the Department of Homeland Security 
(DHS) Secretary to notify Transportation Security Officers and airlines 
about TSA guidelines permitting baby milk and juice on airplanes and 
ensure that such special procedures be integrated into TSO security 
training.
  I recall during the weeks and months following the September 11, 2001 
attacks as the nation came to terms with the new normal of terrorism 
there was confusion and difficulty for young parents attempting 
traveling with infants.
  The issues were centered on the liquids that infants and babies 
needed, which are included in the bill and include breast milk and 
juice.
  During my service as chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation 
Security, the issue of baby formula was addressed.
  The ultimate solution was a change in agency policy as it related to 
the limitation rule regarding liquids that were required for infants 
and babies.
  H.R. 5065 would codify the practices that the agency has in place.
  I am pleased that during the markup, the committee unanimously agreed 
to add the Jackson Lee Amendment to H.R. 5065 which adds ``purified 
deionized water for infants'' which is essential for newborns during 
the first 3 months of life to the list of allowed liquids for infants 
and babies who travel on commercial flights.
  I thank the Committee's majority and minority staff for working with 
my staff on this improvement to the underlying bill.
  I urge all members to support H.R. 5065.
  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. If the gentleman 
from Louisiana has no other speakers, I am prepared to close once the 
gentleman does.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, let me just say that this legislation was unanimously 
supported during full committee consideration. This is one of those 
areas where Congress, both sides of the aisle, came together to decide 
to pass a commonsense law to ease mothers and fathers who are traveling 
with infants, which, let me just say, is a stressful task all within 
itself.
  To the extent that this body can make sure that we protect the 
traveling public but also enact commonsense rules and laws so that we 
make it just a little bit easier for those traveling with infants, I 
think it is a good thing. I am glad we came together. I would urge 
Members to support this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, once again, I urge Members to support H.R. 
5065.
  Before I yield back the balance of my time, I want to note what Ms. 
Jackson Lee said earlier in her statement, and that is the Committee on 
Homeland Security does work very well together. Generally, it is a very 
bipartisan committee working for the common good of keeping this 
country safe. This is a small example of the cooperation we have on a 
daily basis. I am proud to be a part of it, proud to work with my 
colleagues, Mr. Richmond and Ms. Jackson Lee, from the other side of 
the aisle. I will continue to do that for the good of the country.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 5065, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to direct 
the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration to 
notify air carriers and security screening personnel of the 
Transportation Security Administration of such Administration's 
guidelines regarding permitting baby formula, breast milk, purified 
deionized water, and juice on airplanes, and for other purposes.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________