At the end of last week, the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Ways & Means released its proposal to reform our health care system. The proposal to tax sugar-sweetened beverages was not included as a way to pay for the reforms.

"The outpouring of opposition from IDFA members and others in the food and beverage industries was a major factor in keeping the proposal from gaining momentum," said Jerry Slominski, IDFA senior vice president for legislative affairs and economic policy. "The process is far from over, and this tax proposal could come back into play if other ways to finance the reforms are rejected."

Health care reform legislation is moving rapidly through Congress. The leadership of both the House and Senate has indicated that they expect to pass their versions of the bill by the end of July. The plan is to then reconcile the bills and pass the final legislation as early as September.

IDFA members are encouraged to continue to make their voices heard on this issue through the grassroots website: www.dairycounts.org. Feel free to contact Ashley Burch, IDFA assistant director of political programs, with any questions at (202) 220-3534 or aburch@idfa.org.