Press Releases
Representatives Massie and Pingree Introduce Bipartisan Bill Allowing Interstate Traffic of Raw MilkFor Immediate Release "Executive branch agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), do not and should not have the power to shut down trade between peaceful farmers and willing consumers," said Rep. Massie. "It is Congress's job to legislate. The Interstate Milk Freedom Act would make it easier for families to buy the milk of their choice by reversing the criminalization of specific dairy farmers." "So many people across the country want to make sure their food is fresh and local—including fruits, vegetables, and even their milk," said Rep. Pingree. "Raw milk is currently the only food banned for interstate commerce—an onerous regulation that hurts small farmers for selling milk straight from their cows to the consumer." If two states have legalized the sale of unpasteurized milk, the Interstate Milk Freedom Act prevents federal departments, agencies, or courts from taking any action to prohibit or restrict the traffic of milk between those two states. Although Congress has never passed a ban on raw milk, the FDA issued a regulation banning the interstate sale of raw milk in capitulation to a lawsuit decided in 1986. This legislation was introduced as an amendment to the 2018 Farm Bill. It was also introduced as a standalone bill in 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2024. Original cosponsors of H.R. 7880 include Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), and Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA). Rep. Pingree lives on a farm that raises grass fed beef, chickens, and vegetables on an island in Maine. The text of the Interstate Milk Freedom Act is available at this link. ### |