[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 18 (Friday, February 9, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                             THE FARM BILL

 Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I would like to offer a few quick 
remarks regarding the Senate's recent passage of a comprehensive farm 
bill, especially how it relates to the Nation's dairy industry, from 
the dairy farmer, to the processor, to the consumer.
  Mr. President, beginning in 1995, American fluid milk processors 
initiated what is essentially a self-funded program which aims to 
counteract a slow decline in the consumption levels of fluid milk. 
Strangely enough, fluid milk consumption in the United States has been 
declining over the past several years, due mainly to a misconception 
that milk is not good for you. The program's intent is simple: To 
change those misconceptions and thus increase the consumption of fluid 
milk. Thus far the program has been very successful.
  This trial program exists under the authority of the Fluid Milk 
Processor Promotion Act of 1990, which is set to expire at the end of 
1996. Later this month, processors will vote on whether to continue the 
program, which they are expected to do, but they will need the 
underlying authority to do so. Fortunately, Senator Lugar's amendment 
included just such authority by removing the sunset date in the 
original legislation. I commend Senator Lugar for his inclusion of the 
extended authority for the program.
  Mr. President, promotion is the one area where milk processors and 
dairy farmers are working closely together and are in full agreement as 
to its benefits. This program, along with promotion efforts funded by 
dairy farmers, works to increase milk sales and help the entire dairy 
industry.

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