The New England states, through the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact Committee, next sought out their Congressional representatives. These representatives of the six New England states introduced bills to consent to the Compact in both Houses of Congress in the summer of 1994.[1] Thirty-three of New England’s thirty-five congressional representatives, including all twelve of its Senators, acted as cosponsors for the Congressional resolutions. Senator Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont sponsored the Senate resolution and Congressman John Olver of western Massachusetts sponsored the House bill.
House and Senate committees held their first hearings on the Compact in 1994, following introduction. The Senate Judiciary Committee, the Committee of reference under Senate rules held a hearing in early summer;[2] following a parliamentarian ruling, the House Judiciary subcommittee held a hearing[3] and mark-up in the fall. Congress concluded the 103rd Congress, however, without formal action on the Compact.