WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its intent to implement the WIC Healthy Beginnings Act following a nation-wide baby formula shortage.

“I am pleased that the USDA saw the value of the legislation that my colleagues and I introduced earlier this Congress. Their implementation of this bill through their regulatory process will save taxpayers money while also providing the children of America with higher quality nutrition,” said Rep. Lisa McClain. I will continue to work toward advancing this legislation to ensure this dedicated webpage will be maintained despite politics of the current or future Administrations.”

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation, introduced earlier this Congress,  would establish a federal, searchable, public notice website for all open WIC infant formula bid contracts, which will make it easier for smaller formula manufacturers to compete for state contracts.

The bill was introduced in the House by Rep. McClain (R-MI), Rep. McBath (D-GA), Rep. Levin (D-MI), Rep. Miller Meeks (R-IA) and in the Senate by Senator Marshall (R-KS) and Senator Gillibrand (D-NY)