[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4326-H4327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             REAL INGREDIENTS, REAL STANDARDS, REAL BUTTER

  (Mr. Wied of Wisconsin was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the last day of National Dairy 
Month to ask my colleagues to support my newest bill, the Recognizing 
Engineered Alternatives as Lab-Created Butter Act, or the REAL Butter 
Act.
  It is unbelievable that legislation like this is even necessary, but 
unfortunately, that is the reality we face today.
  Billionaire food experiments are no longer hypothetical. Bill Gates 
is funding a lab-grown butter project made from carbon dioxide instead 
of milk from a cow right in Illinois, right in the backyard of 
America's Dairyland.
  This creation is an attack on American farmers, the dairy industry, 
and the Trump administration, which recently recognized butter as a 
healthy food under its newly announced dietary guidelines.

[[Page H4327]]

  The REAL Butter Act would simply require that this fake butter be 
clearly labeled as ``lab-created butter'' directly on the product.
  America's dairy farmers put in the work every day to keep our 
families fed, our rural communities strong, and our agricultural 
heritage alive. They should not have to compete with products that hide 
behind vague or misleading labels.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in standing with 
America's dairy farmers and supporting this commonsense legislation.


             Honoring the Life and Legacy of Elmer W. Ragen

  Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy 
of a true pillar of our community in Wisconsin's Eighth District and 
one of my inspirations for getting involved in public service, Elmer W. 
Ragen.
  Born in Oconto County in 1929, he enlisted in the United States Navy 
after high school and served from 1950 to 1954 in the Korean war, 
during which he rose to the rank of petty officer first class.
  In addition to his military service, he volunteered with the Pulaski 
and Little Suamico Fire Departments; was a member of the Knights of 
Columbus, The American Legion, and the VFW; and served as an Oconto 
County veterans service officer, helping his fellow veterans.
  If that wasn't enough, Elmer served on the Chase Town Board and the 
Little Suamico Town Board and as an Oconto County Board supervisor.
  Mr. Speaker, Elmer Ragen's life is a testament to public service. 
From serving our country in uniform to serving in northeast Wisconsin 
as a volunteer, veteran advocate, and local elected official, his 
legacy will never be forgotten by me and so many others. My prayers are 
with his family during this difficult time.


           Congratulating Kaukauna High School Baseball Team

  Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate northeast 
Wisconsin's very own Kaukauna High School baseball team on winning the 
WIAA Division 1 State baseball championship.
  The Galloping Ghosts defeated Madison Memorial 11-5, earning 
Kaukauna's first State baseball title since 1953. This historic win was 
the result of an incredible team effort, with Kaukauna recording 13 
hits and eight different players contributing at the plate.
  This championship title did not come easily. After falling behind 
early, the Galloping Ghosts refused to let the moment get away from 
them. The team battled back, took control of the game, and delivered a 
performance worthy of a State champion.
  Mr. Speaker, this victory is a proud moment for the entire Kaukauna 
community. After more than 70 years, the Galloping Ghosts are, once 
again, State champions.
  I extend my congratulations to Head Coach Mike Jenkins, the entire 
coaching staff, and the team on this incredible accomplishment.


      Congratulating Fox Valley Lutheran High School Softball Team

  Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fox Valley 
Lutheran High School Foxes on winning the WIAA Division 2 State 
softball championship.
  After ending an undefeated season in a heartbreaking loss at the 
sectional finals last year, the Foxes came back this season determined 
and with something to prove. That determination led them all the way to 
the finals, where they delivered a decisive 9-1 victory over Pewaukee 
to claim the first WIAA softball State title in school history.
  This achievement is a proud moment for the players, Fox Valley 
Lutheran High School, and the entire Fox Cities community. Through 
their hard work and dedication, the team has made school history and 
has given northeast Wisconsin another championship team to celebrate.
  Mr. Speaker, I extend my sincere congratulations to Head Coach Gunner 
Pfrang, the entire coaching staff, and the team on this incredible 
accomplishment.

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