December 17, 2025

Washington – On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) issued the following statements after their bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, passed the House and is headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act passed the Senate last month.

“This is a win for kids, parents, Kansas dairy farmers, and common sense. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act puts nutrition back in the lunchroom, gives families more choice, and ensures our children have access to the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy,” said Senator Marshall. “I’m proud to see this bipartisan bill head to the President’s desk.”

“Dairy is at the heart of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why our bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk and inclusive alternatives in our schools is a major win for Vermont’s students and farmers. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will help future generations grow stronger and let dairy farmers in Vermont, Kansas, and around the country do what they love—feed our communities,” said Senator Welch. “I’m thankful for the partnership of Senator Marshall and to my House colleagues for their support in getting this bipartisan bill to the President’s desk.” 

·                The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) reports that nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations. Specifically, Americans are lacking enough Calcium and Vitamin D, and whole milk is an excellent source of both vitamins. Leading nutritionists have found that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce the risk of heart disease.

·                The legislation was first introduced by Senator Marshall in June of 2023. It was reintroduced in April of 2025 with numerous bipartisan sponsors and co-sponsors, and passed the Senate Agriculture Committee in June of 2025 and the Senate in November of 2025.