Expressing support for the designation of June 2025 as "National Dairy Month" to recognize the critical role dairy plays in maintaining a healthy diet and preserving our Nation's agricultural economy.

Bill Number

H.Res. 527

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-20: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Last Updated

2026-06-26T08:07:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H. Res. 527 (119th Congress)

Purpose

This House Resolution expresses support for designating June 2025 as "National Dairy Month." It aims to highlight the vital role of dairy products in promoting healthy diets and sustaining the U.S. agricultural economy, while acknowledging the contributions of dairy farmers.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses providing factual background, followed by a "Resolved" section with three main directives for the House of Representatives:

• Support for National Dairy Month: Recognizes dairy's importance in healthy eating, the efforts of dairy producers in maintaining the food supply, and the economic contributions of the U.S. dairy industry.
• Condemnation of Regulatory Burdens: Opposes unfair and arbitrary restrictions on dairy farmers, such as limits on farm sizes or emissions rules imposed by state and local governments.
• Encouragement of Public Support: Urges all Americans to back the nation's dairy farmers.

Background details emphasize:

• Family-owned nature of most U.S. dairy farms (97% are small businesses).
• Economic scale: Over 60,000 farms supporting 3 million jobs and generating $793.75 billion in economic impact.
• Health benefits: Dairy as a key source of calcium and vitamin D, linked to better bone health, lower risks of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases; references to Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommending daily dairy intake for various age groups.
• Broader context: Dairy's role in school lunch programs, nutrition incentives, export opportunities under the USMCA trade agreement, and challenges like nutrient deficiencies (e.g., 42% of Americans get insufficient calcium) and rising healthcare costs for fractures ($57 billion annually for Medicare in 2018, projected to $95 billion by 2040).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, so it introduces no changes to existing statutes. It serves as a formal statement of congressional sentiment rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: May influence the Department of Agriculture or related committees by signaling congressional support for dairy policies, potentially affecting funding or regulatory reviews, though without legal mandate.
• On Citizens: Raises public awareness of dairy's nutritional value, encouraging healthier eating habits and support for local farmers; could indirectly boost dairy consumption through education on guidelines.
• On International Relations: Highlights export challenges and opportunities under trade agreements like USMCA, potentially strengthening U.S. advocacy for dairy market access in Canada and Mexico, but impacts are symbolic.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Dairy Farmers and Producers: Primary beneficiaries, gaining recognition for their economic and cultural contributions; top producing states like California, Wisconsin, Idaho, New York, and Texas (53% of U.S. production) stand to gain visibility.
• Agricultural Communities: Rural areas reliant on dairy for jobs and heritage, with over 27,932 licensed farms across all 50 states.
• Consumers and Public Health Groups: Informed about dairy's role in diets, school programs, and nutrition incentives; addresses deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D intake.
• Government and Policymakers: House Committee on Agriculture, state/local regulators facing criticism for burdens on the industry.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and cannot override existing regulations or create rights/obligations; it aligns with ongoing nutrition policies like the Dietary Guidelines but does not amend them.
• Constitutional: Falls within Congress's broad authority to express opinions on domestic agriculture and commerce (Article I, Section 8), without infringing on states' rights, though it critiques state-level rules.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Republicans) for the dairy sector, potentially mobilizing industry lobbying; condemns "arbitrary" regulations, which could fuel debates on federalism and environmental rules, but remains neutral on specifics to avoid partisanship.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]

Cosponsors (13)

Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Simpson, Michael K. [R-ID-2], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-20: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
• 2025-06-20: Submitted in House
• 2025-06-20: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of June 2025 as "National Dairy Month" to recognize the critical role dairy plays in maintaining a healthy diet and preserving our Nation’s agricultural economy. — issued 2025-06-20 — PDF (5 pages)