[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.
____________________