Yes. For weeks, baby formula in the US has been scarce. The impact has been alarming. Amid supply chain issues, a key plant closure, and panic buying, parents are scrambling to feed their babies critical nutrition — with limited alternatives. Now, after pressure from parents and just about everyone else, Washington is taking action. Here's what that looks like…
The Biden admin: is taking two key steps. The first: invoking the Defense Production Act. The 1950s-era law — revived amid the COVID-19 pandemic — will allow President Biden to require suppliers to prioritize sending ingredients to baby formula companies ahead of other customers. The second: using aircraft contracts with the Defense Department to import formula from abroad, faster.
The House: just passed two bills. The first would ensure low-income families can continue buying formula through federal programs. The second would provide the FDA with $28 million in funding to help with staffing and formula inspection. Next, both bills head to the Senate where their future is TBD.
Is there enough time for that?
Not really. Roughly three out of four infants rely on baby formula at some point in their first six months of life. Biden says that "as a parent and as a grandparent" he understands how stressful this is. Abbott — one of the four companies producing the vast majority of formula in the US — expects shelf restocking within six to eight weeks. Meanwhile, some lawmakers on the Hill are saying, 'the FDA's to blame for this mess.'
theSkimm
This is beyond stressful. Lives are at stake. And the shortage is also a harsh reminder that Americans' supply chain here is vulnerable — putting the Americans relying on it at risk.
PS: We spoke to parents, health experts, and others to understand how the baby formula shortage is impacting people on the ground. Read their stories here.
And Also...This
What's getting an equal pay-ing field...
The US women's soccer team. Yesterday, the US Soccer Federation announced a landmark deal to pay the men's and women's team players equally. In 2019, the US Women's National Team called a penalty on its employer, saying they were getting as little as 40% of the men's salary. It's especially frustrating considering the USWNT brought in record viewership during World Cup matches and have four World Cup titles when the men's team has none. Now, after settling a gender-pay discrimination lawsuit for $24 million, there's a new game plan: from now on, women's and men's teams will combine and split prize money from international competitions like the World Cup. They'll also get equal pay when it comes to appearance fees, game bonuses, and more. Oh, and the deal makes the US the first soccer federation in the world to make that move. Score.
Who's pleading guilty…
A former Minneapolis police officer. Yesterday, Thomas Lane pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. In 2020, officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck during an arrest, killing him — and sparking a national reckoning over systemic racism. The state has since also accused Lane of contributing to Floyd's death by holding his legs down. Now, Lane has been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter and faces three years in prison. He and three other officers were convicted of violating George Floyd's civil rights.
What the stock market's up to…
Going down. Yesterday, two of the US's biggest stock market indexes — the S&P 500 and Dow Jones — saw their worst day since 2020. Markets have been all over the place amid rising inflation, gas prices, and concerns over that word no one wants to say. Now, poor earnings from retail companies like Target and Walmart have been driving another market sell-off. And indexes are inching even closer to bear market territory.
PS: Questions about market volatility and your wallet? Answers.
What's got us singing 'you're hot then you're cold'…
If you take your coffee on the rocks, we've got great news: May 25 (aka next Wednesday) is Dunkin' Iced Coffee Day. And your iced coffee will work twice as hard. It'll fuel your day as always, plus spark much-needed joy. Because Dunkin' is donating $1 to the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation® for every iced coffee purchased. Psst…that's a nonprofit that helps brighten the days of kids battling illness in local hospitals across the country. And they've granted more than $37 million since 2006.
Into the idea? Us, too. That's why we're donating an extra $1 for every Skimm'r that tells us they got a Dunkin' iced coffee on May 25. Tap below to get a reminder next Wednesday morning.
Psst...want this added to your calendar? Click here: Google | Apple | Outlook
True or false: We're halfway through National Masturbation Month, so you've only got two more weeks to celebrate your pleasure. Our friends at Dame say 'false.' They're all about embracing highs and O's every single month. And we like the sound of that.
Especially because self-love sessions can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and lead to better sleep. Aka year-round benefits. If you want something new to celebrate with, check out their best-selling Aer vibrator. It creates quiet air pulses that mimic tongue-flutters with just the right amount of suction. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 15% off. Go ahead, treat yo'self.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Eye makeup that looks like photoshop IRL. This cult-fave brand's new brightening concealer is packed with natural ingredients (like tomato and cucumber extract) that can help smooth, plump, illuminate, aaaaand hydrate your under-eye bags. Oh, and Skimm'rs can get 15% off. Peep it here.*
2. Colorful, cult-fave sneakers to pair with every sundress you own. Consider these eco-friendly, celeb-loved kicks your summer go-to. Because they're finally back in stock after a 61K waitlist. Don't see 'em included in any Memorial Day sales? Don't worry. Because Skimm'rs get an exclusive discount.*
3. Detergent that's changing the laundry game. This eco-friendly detergent uses new tech that takes the dirty out of cleaning. Their toxin-, carcinogen-, and pollutant-free products are multi-certified safe. And pack some serious deep-cleaning power. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off with code SKIMM. Green, meet clean.*
4. Amazon products you'll never regret buying. Like home problem-solvers, last-minute gift ideas, and the best things for travel. Check out our fave recs in our Amazon storefront.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Honoring heritage…Brandi R (OK). She is being honored in the Native American 40 Under 40 list by the NCAIED. The list features the best and recognizes those for their contributions to the Native American community.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Paul Yun (NJ), theSkimm's Maria del Carmen Corpus (WI), Abigail Wenner (MD), Hannah Zorn (NY), Annie Marshall (NJ), Ahnissa Beaupre (MA), Clemon Maddox III (CA), Felicia Thompson (AZ), Sydney Johnson (CA), Karin Leereveld (FL), Elyse Anderson (OK), Hannah Bishop (MA), Amy Schaubert Brown (VA), Mark Janssens (NY), Taylor Webb (KY), Roshan Sharma (TX)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
Being a caregiver comes with a lot of personal challenges — but the pandemic made things even more complicated. Tune into our Instagram Live with Motherly today at 4pm to hear about how the Great Resignation has disproportionately impacted caregivers and what we can do moving forward.
theSkimm Loyalty Program
Design: theSkimm
We'll donate $1 to the Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation® (hint: a nonprofit that brings joy to kids battling illness in local hospitals across the country) for every Loyalty Program member that downloads the Dunkin' app through their member dashboard by Dunkin' Iced Coffee Day (psst…that's May 25). Drink good, do good. Join theSkimm Loyalty Program today.
Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
