BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho Reps. Mike Simpson and Walt Minnick are cheering a federal government move to help dairy producers during a downturn in milk prices and global demand for dairy products.

The Agriculture Department announced last week that it would help the industry by raising the price paid for milk and cheddar cheese through a price support program. Agency officials say the temporary move could boost dairy farmers' revenue by an estimated $243 million.

Simpson, a Republican, and Minnick, a Democrat asked Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week to step in and help an industry mired in one of its worst downturns in decades.

The Idaho lawmakers applauded Vilsack for his quick response.

Simpson said the programs should provide immediate aid to one of the state's most vital industries.