Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID) has joined the effort in the U.S. House to reform dairy programs.

Simpson is the lead Republican proponent of discussion draft legislation released by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Colin Peterson (D-MN) earlier this month. The draft language is based on reform proposals put forward by the dairy industry.

“I look forward to working with members of the Idaho dairy industry and Representative Peterson to prevent another economic disaster like the dairy industry suffered in 2009. I believe we can do better for Idaho dairy farmers,” said Simpson. “This legislation starts a conversation, that I intend to help lead, on how to build a more effective economic safety net for the U.S. dairy industry.”

The effort is supported by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation, but opposed by some regional dairy groups like the Southeast Milk Cooperative. While not yet formally introduced, the dairy reform package text has been released by Peterson. The legislative language is termed a discussion draft, rather than a bill, as it now allows members of Congress to view the language, prior to it being formally introduced as a bill. Peterson, along with Simpson, will now be seeking additional cosponsors, of both parties, to cosponsor and introduce the legislation once Congress returns from its August recess after Labor Day.