[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 FEDERAL SURPLUS PROPERTY DONATION ACT

 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I wish to speak about S. 307, 
the Federal Surplus Property Donations Act introduced earlier in the 
week by Senators Lugar, Harkin, Leahy, and myself.
  This legislation will enable food banks and other charities, which 
primarily serve low-income persons, to receive surplus Federal property 
such as computers, office furniture, copiers, warehouse equipment, and 
trucks. Items like these are often not available because of their 
expense. Such equipment can contribute to efficient and effective food 
bank operations.
  I want to thank Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity, and other major 
charities which serve needy families and children every day for their 
support of this legislation and their commitment in responding to 
hunger in our communities.
  Mr. President, Second Harvest and Habitat for Humanity work with food 
banks serving all 50 States and Puerto Rico. In my home State of 
Kentucky, this legislation will assist Dare to Care Food Bank in 
Louisville, God's Pantry Food Bank in Lexington, and Kentucky Food Bank 
in Elizabethtown in accessing Federal surplus property.
  This is a modest but important bill. It can make a real difference in 
the lives of those who are served by these valuable programs.
  I urge my colleagues to support both this legislation and the food 
banks across the country that serve needy families and 
children.

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