[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 209 (Tuesday, December 19, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                WHOLE MILK FOR HEALTHY KIDS ACT OF 2023

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                           HON. VAL T. HOYLE

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 19, 2023

  Ms. HOYLE of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, last week, I voted in favor of H.R. 
1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools 
the option of serving whole and 2% unflavored and flavored milk.
  Under current federal regulations, schools that participate in the 
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) can only serve low-fat or fat-free 
milk. H.R. 1147 would amend current regulations to allow schools to 
offer a wider range of dairy milk options, helping to ensure that 
students have freedom of choice. It would also help reduce the 
likelihood of students throwing out milk and missing out on beneficial 
nutrients.
  While I supported H.R. 1147, it was not perfect. I believe this 
legislation should have included options for children who cannot or 
choose not to drink dairy milk due to dietary, religious or personal 
reasons. Unfortunately, House Republican leadership did not allow for 
any amendments to be considered that would have extended freedom of 
choice for non-dairy beverage options.
  That's why I'm a cosponsor of H.R. 1619, the Addressing Digestive 
Distress in Stomachs of Our Youth (ADD SOY) Act, which would require 
schools to provide non-dairy beverage substitutes upon request of a 
student or parent/guardian and allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
to reimburse schools for providing non-dairy options. This issue is 
especially important for students who experience lactose intolerance, 
which disproportionately affects communities of color.
  Should the Senate take up H.R. 1147, I urge them to include the ADD 
SOY Act or similar provisions to allow for non-dairy options and 
broader freedom of choice for students. H.R. 1147 takes an important 
first step, but we must ensure that freedom of choice applies to all.

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