[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E765]]
       TRANSFER OF SURPLUS FEDERAL PROPERTY TO PRIVATE CHARITIES

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                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 1997

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, it is ludicrous to prevent nonprofit groups 
from making use of surplus Federal property simply because they do not 
serve educational or public health purposes. Local charities, such as 
food banks, are being penalized because their sole purpose is to assist 
low-income individuals. Current law excludes these groups from making 
use of much needed supplies, clothing, and equipment, which would 
otherwise go unused. Big-government bureaucracy is hindering nonprofit 
groups from giving back to the community.
  I applaud Representative Hamilton and the Government Reform and 
Oversight Committee for their work to assist families by amending 
existing law to allow for the donation of surplus Federal property to 
local charities that aid low-income families and individuals. More 
impoverished families than ever before will have access to the 
resources they need to get back on their feet. I whole-heartedly 
support this legislation.
  Recently, I became a member of the Renewal Alliance, a group of 
Representatives and Senators working to highlight community efforts to 
end poverty, repair broken families, and solve a host of other 
problems. I believe that for every challenge our Nation faces, there is 
a solution, not in Washington, but locally. This bill sends a strong 
message to our constituents that we believe in our community 
organizations and want to see them succeed in their efforts to help 
those in need.
  Nonprofit groups in our communities are in desperate need of 
materials and equipment to repair homes, store food items and deliver 
goods and services to those less fortunate. This bill will aid food 
banks and charitable groups all across the Nation in their efforts to 
give back to the community and provide low-income individuals with the 
helping hand they need. We need to make it easier for our nonprofit 
groups to feed and house those most in despair. This bill does just 
that. I am proud to support this legislation.

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