[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 119 (Friday, July 21, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1490-E1491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     HELPING SCHOOLS MEET THE ``DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS''

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                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 21, 1995
  Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, today I am joining Mr. 
Goodling in bipartisan legislation--H.R. 2066--to give schools more 
flexibility in the methods they may choose to improve the quality of 
their meals and to meet the dietary recommendations in the ``Dietary 
Guidelines for Americans,'' including the appropriate levels of 
recommended dietary allowance for nutrients and energy. I stand firm in 
my support for improving the nutritional value of school meals and for 
the legislation passed last year requiring schools to meet the 
guidelines in the time line indicated in Public Law 103-448.
  In last year's reauthorization of the National School Lunch Act, 
Democrats and Republicans joined together to support the ``Dietary 
Guidelines for Americans.'' Our goal was, and is, for the school lunch 
program to provide healthy meals that kids will eat. The 
reauthorization bill--Public Law 103-448--requires schools to bring 
their meals into compliance by the first day of the 1996-97 school 
year. 

[[Page E1491]]
Because this time line is relatively short, we sought to give schools 
flexibility in the methods from which they might choose to reach 
compliance.
  The regulations interpreting the new law, however, do not provide the 
flexibility we sought. Unfortunately, the regulations prohibit schools 
able to comply with the guidelines under the current meal pattern, or 
another nutritionally sound meal pattern, from doing so. In fact, those 
already in compliance under the current meal pattern would be forced to 
change to one of USDA's new systems even though they are already in 
compliance with the guidelines.
  Though studies have shown that most schools to not meet the 
guidelines under the current meal pattern, some schools are able to. 
Others believe they could meet the guidelines also if they make a few 
minor changes in cooling methods and food choices. I do not believe 
schools that are able to meet the guidelines under the current meal 
pattern or another nutritionally sound meal pattern should be precluded 
from using those systems. Our goal is to provide healthier meals, not 
to ensure certain methods are used for achieving healthier meals. 
Specifically this legislation allows schools to use any reasonable 
method to meet the guidelines, including those provided by USDA.
  The Clinton administration deserves great credit for working to 
improve the health of schoolchildren. This amendment is in keeping with 
that effort. Our bill says to schools: We don't care what method you 
use to provide your children healthy, nutritionally balanced meals, 
just make sure you get it done.
  I firmly believe that the problems posed by the inflexibility of the 
USDA regulations can be corrected by the Secretary, and there will be 
no need to go forward with the bill. Again, I commend the 
administration for its work in this area and look forward to continuing 
our bipartisan effort to improve the nutritional value of school meals.


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