Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-30

REAL INGREDIENTS, REAL STANDARDS, REAL BUTTER

TaxesEnvironmentDefenseVeteransAgriculture

Context

On 2026-06-30, Representative Tony Wied (R-WI-8) delivered a floor speech titled "REAL INGREDIENTS, REAL STANDARDS, REAL BUTTER" in the House.

Full Text

REAL INGREDIENTS, REAL STANDARDS, REAL BUTTER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4326-H4327] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REAL INGREDIENTS, REAL STANDARDS, REAL BUTTER (Mr. Wied of Wisconsin was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the last day of National Dairy Month to ask my colleagues to support my newest bill, the Recognizing Engineered Alternatives as Lab-Created Butter Act, or the REAL Butter Act. It is unbelievable that legislation like this is even necessary, but unfortunately, that is the reality we face today. Billionaire food experiments are no longer hypothetical. Bill Gates is funding a lab-grown butter project made from carbon dioxide instead of milk from a cow right in Illinois, right in the backyard of America's Dairyland. This creation is an attack on American farmers, the dairy industry, and the Trump administration, which recently recognized butter as a healthy food under its newly announced dietary guidelines. [[Page H4327]] The REAL Butter Act would simply require that this fake butter be clearly labeled as ``lab-created butter'' directly on the product. America's dairy farmers put in the work every day to keep our families fed, our rural communities strong, and our agricultural heritage alive. They should not have to compete with products that hide behind vague or misleading labels. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in standing with America's dairy farmers and supporting this commonsense legislation. Honoring the Life and Legacy of Elmer W. Ragen Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of a true pillar of our community in Wisconsin's Eighth District and one of my inspirations for getting involved in public service, Elmer W. Ragen. Born in Oconto County in 1929, he enlisted in the United States Navy after high school and served from 1950 to 1954 in the Korean war, during which he rose to the rank of petty officer first class. In addition to his military service, he volunteered with the Pulaski and Little Suamico Fire Departments; was a member of the Knights of Columbus, The American Legion, and the VFW; and served as an Oconto County veterans service officer, helping his fellow veterans. If that wasn't enough, Elmer served on the Chase Town Board and the Little Suamico Town Board and as an Oconto County Board supervisor. Mr. Speaker, Elmer Ragen's life is a testament to public service. From serving our country in uniform to serving in northeast Wisconsin as a volunteer, veteran advocate, and local elected official, his legacy will never be forgotten by me and so many others. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Congratulating Kaukauna High School Baseball Team Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate northeast Wisconsin's very own Kaukauna High School baseball team on winning the WIAA Division 1 State baseball championship. The Galloping Ghosts defeated Madison Memorial 11-5, earning Kaukauna's first State baseball title since 1953. This historic win was the result of an incredible team effort, with Kaukauna recording 13 hits and eight different players contributing at the plate. This championship title did not come easily. After falling behind early, the Galloping Ghosts refused to let the moment get away from them. The team battled back, took control of the game, and delivered a performance worthy of a State champion. Mr. Speaker, this victory is a proud moment for the entire Kaukauna community. After more than 70 years, the Galloping Ghosts are, once again, State champions. I extend my congratulations to Head Coach Mike Jenkins, the entire coaching staff, and the team on this incredible accomplishment. Congratulating Fox Valley Lutheran High School Softball Team Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fox Valley Lutheran High School Foxes on winning the WIAA Division 2 State softball championship. After ending an undefeated season in a heartbreaking loss at the sectional finals last year, the Foxes came back this season determined and with something to prove. That determination led them all the way to the finals, where they delivered a decisive 9-1 victory over Pewaukee to claim the first WIAA softball State title in school history. This achievement is a proud moment for the players, Fox Valley Lutheran High School, and the entire Fox Cities community. Through their hard work and dedication, the team has made school history and has given northeast Wisconsin another championship team to celebrate. Mr. Speaker, I extend my sincere congratulations to Head Coach Gunner Pfrang, the entire coaching staff, and the team on this incredible accomplishment. ____________________

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REAL INGREDIENTS, REAL STANDARDS, REAL BUTTER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4326-H4327] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REAL INGREDIENTS, REAL STANDARDS, REAL BUTTER (Mr. Wied of Wisconsin was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the last day of National Dairy Month to ask my colleagues to support my newest bill, the Recognizing Engineered Alternatives as Lab-Created Butter Act, or the REAL Butter Act. It is unbelievable that legislation like this is even necessary, but unfortunately, that is the reality we face today. Billionaire food experiments are no longer hypothetical. Bill Gates is funding a lab-grown butter project made from carbon dioxide instead of milk from a cow right in Illinois, right in the backyard of America's Dairyland. This creation is an attack on American farmers, the dairy industry, and the Trump administration, which recently recognized butter as a healthy food under its newly announced dietary guidelines. [[Page H4327]] The REAL Butter Act would simply require that this fake butter be clearly labeled as ``lab-created butter'' directly on the product. America's dairy farmers put in the work every day to keep our families fed, our rural communities strong, and our agricultural heritage alive. They should not have to compete with products that hide behind vague or misleading labels. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in standing with America's dairy farmers and supporting this commonsense legislation. Honoring the Life and Legacy of Elmer W. Ragen Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of a true pillar of our community in Wisconsin's Eighth District and one of my inspirations for getting involved in public service, Elmer W. Ragen. Born in Oconto County in 1929, he enlisted in the United States Navy after high school and served from 1950 to 1954 in the Korean war, during which he rose to the rank of petty officer first class. In addition to his military service, he volunteered with the Pulaski and Little Suamico Fire Departments; was a member of the Knights of Columbus, The American Legion, and the VFW; and served as an Oconto County veterans service officer, helping his fellow veterans. If that wasn't enough, Elmer served on the Chase Town Board and the Little Suamico Town Board and as an Oconto County Board supervisor. Mr. Speaker, Elmer Ragen's life is a testament to public service. From serving our country in uniform to serving in northeast Wisconsin as a volunteer, veteran advocate, and local elected official, his legacy will never be forgotten by me and so many others. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Congratulating Kaukauna High School Baseball Team Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate northeast Wisconsin's very own Kaukauna High School baseball team on winning the WIAA Division 1 State baseball championship. The Galloping Ghosts defeated Madison Memorial 11-5, earning Kaukauna's first State baseball title since 1953. This historic win was the result of an incredible team effort, with Kaukauna recording 13 hits and eight different players contributing at the plate. This championship title did not come easily. After falling behind early, the Galloping Ghosts refused to let the moment get away from them. The team battled back, took control of the game, and delivered a performance worthy of a State champion. Mr. Speaker, this victory is a proud moment for the entire Kaukauna community. After more than 70 years, the Galloping Ghosts are, once again, State champions. I extend my congratulations to Head Coach Mike Jenkins, the entire coaching staff, and the team on this incredible accomplishment. Congratulating Fox Valley Lutheran High School Softball Team Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fox Valley Lutheran High School Foxes on winning the WIAA Division 2 State softball championship. After ending an undefeated season in a heartbreaking loss at the sectional finals last year, the Foxes came back this season determined and with something to prove. That determination led them all the way to the finals, where they delivered a decisive 9-1 victory over Pewaukee to claim the first WIAA softball State title in school history. This achievement is a proud moment for the players, Fox Valley Lutheran High School, and the entire Fox Cities community. Through their hard work and dedication, the team has made school history and has given northeast Wisconsin another championship team to celebrate. Mr. Speaker, I extend my sincere congratulations to Head Coach Gunner Pfrang, the entire coaching staff, and the team on this incredible accomplishment. ____________________