The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“FLEXIBILITY TO PROVIDE LOW-FAT FLAVORED MILK” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H4113 on May 4, 2017.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
FLEXIBILITY TO PROVIDE LOW-FAT FLAVORED MILK
(Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last Congress I introduced bipartisan legislation to give schools the flexibility to provide low-
fat flavored milk as a part of the National School Lunch Program.
I am happy to announce that the omnibus bill we passed yesterday contains language from my legislation and allows the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture to grant exemptions to schools that wish to provide students with flavored, nutritional, low-fat fluid milk at breakfast and lunch.
Mr. Speaker, milk is the number one source of nine essential nutrients in young Americans' diets and provides multiple health benefits, including better bone health, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes.
Consumption of milk in schools has been on the decline for several years, despite the fact that public school enrollment continues to grow. Not only is the declining consumption detrimental to the health of young people, but it is adversely affecting our Nation's dairy farmers.
The bottom line is, if children won't consume milk, there is no way it can be nutritious. I am glad to see flavored milk back in our school cafeterias.
Mr. Speaker, on this National Day of Prayer, there will be today, with the bills being considered, many words and powerful words being spoken here today, but none more powerful spoken on this day, the National Day of Prayer, in our Capitol, than three words: Let us pray.
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