WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Agriculture Committee, celebrated passage of S.222, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act:

“Misguided regulations have prevented schools from serving whole and reduced fat milk, resulting in many children missing out on essential nutrients,” said Rep. Finstad. “As an original cosponsor of this legislation, and as a father of seven kids, I’m proud to see the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act pass the House today, supporting our hardworking dairy farmers and empowering schools to provide students with nutritious dairy options.”

Rep. Finstad's remarks, as prepared for delivery:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding.

I rise today in support of S. 222, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which I was proud to help introduce alongside Chairman Thompson.

As a fourth-generation farmer, raising that fifth generation, I know firsthand the importance of ensuring families have access to healthy and nutritious milk products.

And as a father of seven, my wife and I have purchased our fair share of milk on trips to the grocery store.

This legislation has been in the making for a long time and it is past due that we send it to the president’s desk and make it the law of the land.

Moving forward, every child across southern Minnesota, and the rest of the nation, will have access to whole and flavored milk products when they go through the school lunch line.

Moreover, this legislation will support our dairy farmers and the rural communities they call home. Farming is one of the most honorable and noble professions this country has to offer – and southern Minnesota is home to some of the best dairy farmers AND manufacturers in the world.

This legislation is a win-win for school-aged children and dairy farmers across America.

I encourage my colleagues to support this important legislation. And I yield back.