Mark Udall: “I rise in opposition to S. 2120, the Milk Regulatory Equity Act. I think there well may be a need for Congress to…”

“I rise in opposition to S. 2120, the Milk Regulatory Equity Act. I think there well may be a need for Congress to consider legislation dealing with Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). But the subject is too important to be handled the way this bill has been. The suspension calendar is supposed to be reserved for bills that the relevant committees have reviewed and that are not controversial, which is why debate is limited and no amendments are allowed. However, there has been no hearing on this bill and it has never been approved by any Committee--in either the House or Senate--so there has been no opportunity to consider the testimony of anyone who might be affected, including at least one Colorado company that has told me of their objections to the bill as it now stands. Before we make a change in Federal dairy policy that has been in place for 70 years I think it is appropriate to hear all sides of the debate. Because that has not happened, I cannot support the bill. I urge all Members to join me in voting no today, so that the bill can receive a more careful evaluation and so that possible revisions can be considered in the Agriculture Committee. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Culberson). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte) that the House suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill, S. 2120. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore.…”