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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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A bipartisan House bill would roll back federal limits on interstate raw milk sales, potentially reshaping how consumers buy dairy products across state lines.
Why It Matters
Lawmakers backing the proposal say current federal rules block transactions between farmers and consumers, even when both states allow raw milk sales.
Read More on Politics
Supporters argue Congress—not regulations from federal agencies—should set those boundaries.
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What To Know
Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, has introduced the Interstate Milk Freedom Act.
The bill would prohibit federal agencies from interfering with the interstate sale of unpasteurized milk and milk products intended for direct human consumption.
Under the proposal, federal restrictions would no longer apply when raw milk is sold between states that have each independently legalized the sale.
States that prohibit raw milk would retain the authority to do so under their own laws.
Massie, who owns 50 head of beef cattle on his farm in northeast Kentucky, is leading the legislation alongside cosponsor Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree of Maine, who lives on a farm that raises grass-fed beef, chickens, and vegetables on an island in her constituency.
The bill has nine original cosponsors, spanning both parties.
The proposal was introduced on March 9 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where it will be reviewed before any potential action on the full House floor.
Supporters of the bill say federal regulation of raw milk stems from agency action rather than a direct act of Congress.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently bans interstate raw milk sales, though Congress has never passed a statute explicitly doing so.
Full List of Representatives Backing the Proposal
Original co‑sponsors of H.R. 7880 include:
Democrat Chellie Pingree of Maine
Republican Lauren Boebert of Colorado
Republican Warren Davidson of Ohio
Republican Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin
Republican Clay Higgins of Louisiana
Republican Nancy Mace of South Carolina
Republican Scott Perry of Pennsylvania
Republican Chip Roy of Texas
Republican Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania
What People Are Saying
Republican Representative Thomas Massie said: "Executive branch agencies, such as the FDA, do not and should not have the power to shut down trade between peaceful farmers and willing consumers.
"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."
Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree said: "So many people across the country want to make sure their food is fresh and local—including fruits, vegetables, and even their milk.
"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."
What Happens Next
The bill now heads to committee, where lawmakers will decide whether to advance it for further debate.
Its progress will unfold alongside broader congressional discussions over food regulation, federal agency authority, and the balance between state and federal oversight.
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