June 15, 1999

A bill to mandate an option in USDA's milk marketing order reform rule more favorable to farm milk prices now has the support of 219 members of the House -- a majority. So far, only about 15 senators have signed on to a similar bill in that chamber.

The House agriculture subcommittee on livestock will hold a hearing on the legislation supporting Option 1A on June 24 after which the full ag committee is expected to approve it and move the bill to the House floor. Options 1A and 1B have been proposed in connection with order reform, but 1A is considered more favorable to milk prices for farmers.

Last week the House approved a $61 billion appropriations bill that did not include any dairy policy provisions. Rep. Jim Walsh (R-NY) did get assurances from House Agriculture Committee Chairman Larry Combest (R-TX) that the ag panel would consider legislative changes to the final milk marketing order rule from USDA.