[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 101 (Thursday, June 12, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2657-H2658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL DAIRY MONTH

  (Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, happy National Dairy 
Month.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of this occasion of National 
Dairy Month and to honor the hardworking men and women of America's 
dairy industry, especially those in my home State of Pennsylvania.
  As the Representative of Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District 
and as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I know firsthand 
the central role that dairy plays in our economy, our communities, and 
our health.
  Pennsylvania is an incredible dairy State. With more than 6,200 dairy 
farms, we rank second in the Nation in the number of dairy operations 
and eighth in milk production.
  These farms care for nearly one-half million dairy cows and support 
more

[[Page H2658]]

than 52,000 jobs, generating $14.7 billion annually for our State's 
economy.
  It is important that in addition to recognizing the success and 
strength of this industry, we also acknowledge the challenges it takes 
to produce the dairy products that we all know and love.

  Rising costs, outdated Federal regulations, and policies that don't 
reflect the realities on the ground have all hurt this vital industry. 
That is why we must continue to fight for a modernized farm bill and 
for smart bipartisan policies that promote health and strengthen rural 
communities. In addition, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act we passed out 
of the House included key victories for our dairy producers.
  The bill contains multiple enhancements to the Dairy Margin Coverage 
program such as increasing tier 1 eligibility from 5 million to 6 
million pounds per farm, among other items.
  One of those bipartisan policies is the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids 
Act which I proudly introduced alongside my colleague, Representative 
Kim Schrier, a pediatrician, and a bipartisan coalition in both 
Chambers of Congress. This bill is about returning whole and reduced 
fat milk to school cafeterias. It reflects updated science, addresses 
years of flawed Federal policy, and responds to what parents, schools, 
and health professionals across the country already know: Kids need 
access to milk that they will actually drink.
  Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has 
also voiced support for returning whole milk to school cafeterias. He 
recognizes its value as a nutrient-rich option that supports child 
development and academic success.
  Milk provides 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, 
and potassium. These nutrients support bone health, immune function, 
and long-term well-being. However, today nearly three in four school-
age children are not getting their recommended daily intake of dairy.
  Since whole milk was removed from schools in 2012, we have seen 
declines in milk consumption, increased food waste, and growing 
concerns about childhood nutrition. This legislation is a commonsense 
solution that simply gives schools the option to serve whole and 
reduced fat milk once again.
  I am pleased to report that the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act has 
already made significant bipartisan progress. It has passed the House 
Committee on Education and Workforce and most recently the Senate 
Agriculture Committee with strong support from both sides of the aisle.
  With over 300 votes in the House last Congress, this bill is ready to 
cross the finish line.
  Let me be clear. This is a win for everyone involved. It supports our 
children's health and gives a boost to our Nation's dairy farmers who 
work hard every day to provide safe, nutritious products.
  Mr. Speaker, National Dairy Month is not just a moment of 
recognition. It is a call to action to stand with rural America, invest 
in the next generation, and ensure our food policies are rooted in 
science and not bureaucracy.
  Let's finish the work we have started. Let's pass the Whole Milk for 
Healthy Kids Act. Let's deliver for our farmers, and let's keep making 
American agriculture stronger, healthier, and, yes, great once again.

                          ____________________