Baby formula shortage hits US as Congress voting to send $40b to Ukraine

The United States is facing “a massive baby formula shortage” among other recent woes as Congress is voting to send $40 billion in military aid to Ukraine.

On Tuesday, the US House passed a nearly $40 billion package for Ukraine, sending the bill to the Senate for a vote. The bill passed with major bipartisan support and only 57 representatives voted against it.

The US has already delivered $2.4 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Biden’s term in office, though much of that aid has come since Russia’s military operation against Ukraine began in late February.

The latest aid comes as the national shortage of baby formula has become the latest challenge facing President Joe Biden who is already under harsh criticism over rising inflation rate and gas prices in the country.

The shortage, which is being exacerbated by supply chain problems, has led retailers including Amazon and Target to limit the amount of formula people can purchase online and in stores.

Republican lawmakers who have ripped the Biden administration over the country’s current economic problems also pounced on the baby formula issue.

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R), who voted against the measure on Tuesay, said, "Americans are suffering from a baby formula crisis, a border crisis, skyrocketing inflation and fuel crisis, and they are fed up with America last politicians."

Similarly, Ohio Representative Jim Jordan tweeted Tuesday, "More money for Ukraine while baby formula is out of stock for Americans? Voted No."

Republican National Committee also highlighted accounts of mothers across the country who are concerned about feeding their babies.

“Everything is more expensive in Biden’s America and now families are being devastated by a massive baby formula shortage,” said Emma Vaughn, a spokeswoman at the Republican National Committee.

Also on Monday, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), a new mother and member of the House GOP leadership, took to Twitter to express her disapproval.

“This is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE in America,” Stefanik said. “Sadly, this has become the norm because of Joe Biden’s radical agenda.”

Donald Trump Jr., the son of former president Donald Trump, also weighed in on the issue, saying on Twitter, "You can't find baby formula in the United States right now but Congress is voting today to send $40 billion to Ukraine. Let's put America First for a change.”

On Monday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the availability of the product is “a priority for the FDA and they’re working around the clock to address any possible shortage.”

However, she stopped shy of saying the White House could take any further steps. “I don’t believe there’s a national stockpile of baby formula.”

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