Rep. Elise Stefanik Spearheads Bipartisan Bill to Counter Biden Administration's Dairy Regulations
Source: The DairyNews
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at reversing a Biden administration rule that limits milk access under the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
The proposed bill, known as the Protecting Mothers and Infants’ Access to Milk Act, seeks to ensure that WIC families continue to have access to essential dairy nutrition.
Stefanik, a representative of Upstate New York, a region renowned for its dairy farming, has been vocal in opposing what she describes as the Biden administration's "war on milk." The rule in question, finalized in April by the Biden administration, reduces the amount of milk available to families enrolled in the WIC program, which has stirred significant concern among dairy producers and lawmakers alike.
According to Stefanik, the administration's policy could negatively impact the nutritional intake of women, infants, and families who rely on the WIC program for their dietary needs. Citing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, her office highlighted that 90 percent of the U.S. population does not meet the recommended dairy intake.
Joining Stefanik in sponsoring the legislation are Representatives Josh Harder (D-CA) and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), reflecting the bipartisan support for the bill. This legislative move comes amid broader concerns that the Biden administration's nutritional policy changes might undermine access to high-quality dairy products essential for early childhood development.
The bill has garnered substantial backing from the dairy industry, with endorsements from prominent organizations like the National Milk Producers Federation and the Northeast Dairy Farmers Cooperatives. These groups emphasize the nutritional benefits of dairy and the critical role it plays in the diets of young Americans.
As Congress debates the bill, the dairy industry watches closely, hopeful that the legislation will correct what many see as an overreach by the administration that could hurt both consumers and producers.
Stefanik, a representative of Upstate New York, a region renowned for its dairy farming, has been vocal in opposing what she describes as the Biden administration's "war on milk." The rule in question, finalized in April by the Biden administration, reduces the amount of milk available to families enrolled in the WIC program, which has stirred significant concern among dairy producers and lawmakers alike.
According to Stefanik, the administration's policy could negatively impact the nutritional intake of women, infants, and families who rely on the WIC program for their dietary needs. Citing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, her office highlighted that 90 percent of the U.S. population does not meet the recommended dairy intake.
Joining Stefanik in sponsoring the legislation are Representatives Josh Harder (D-CA) and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), reflecting the bipartisan support for the bill. This legislative move comes amid broader concerns that the Biden administration's nutritional policy changes might undermine access to high-quality dairy products essential for early childhood development.
The bill has garnered substantial backing from the dairy industry, with endorsements from prominent organizations like the National Milk Producers Federation and the Northeast Dairy Farmers Cooperatives. These groups emphasize the nutritional benefits of dairy and the critical role it plays in the diets of young Americans.
As Congress debates the bill, the dairy industry watches closely, hopeful that the legislation will correct what many see as an overreach by the administration that could hurt both consumers and producers.
