[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. GOODLATLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Emergency 
Food Assistance Enhancement Act of 1999. My bill increases TEFAP 
commodity purchases from $100 million to $125 million in an attempt to 
help food banks meet the needs of their communities.
  It is unfortunate, Mr. Speaker, that there is a need for food banks. 
Even though our farmers and ranchers are the most productive and 
efficient in the world, the need for food banks continues. Food banks 
often meet the needs of their communities by managing donations from 
the Government and the private sector. Most Government donations are 
the product of the Emergency Food Assistance Program. It is a unique 
program that has the ability to provide nutritious domestic agriculture 
products to needy Americans while at the same time providing support to 
the agriculture community. In the welfare reform bill. Congress made 
TEFAP commodity purchases mandatory because of the integral role this 
program has in the provisions of food assistance to needy families.
  This program is a quick fix, something to get families through tough 
times. It gives them the support they need, but it doesn't ensnare them 
into a cycle of dependency for which other Federal assistance programs 
are infamous. TEFAP purchases also provide much needed support to the 
agriculture community. While other food assistance programs are much 
larger, TEFAP has a more direct impact for agriculture producers, while 
at the same time providing food for those in need.
  The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 included hundreds of millions of 
dollars for Employment and Training Program aimed at those able bodied 
adults without dependents (ABAWD) whose eligility for the Food Stamp 
Program was restricted by a work requirement in the Welfare Reform Act 
of 1996. The money is dedicated to training programs that keep any 
ABAWD on the food stamp rolls if they participate. Several hearings and 
reports have said that the money is going unspent because very few are 
taking advantage of the programs. At the same time, food banks are 
reporting an increase in demand from the same demographic group.
  Why not put the money where the need is? Annually the Secretary 
reviews the States employment and training programs and allocates the 
money he considers appropriate and equitable. If a State doesn't use 
the money allocated to them, the Secretary can reallocate the money to 
another State. My bill does nothing to change or restrict that 
authority. My bill simply allows the Secretary of Agriculture to spend 
up to $25 million of unobligated employment and training money on TEFAP 
commodity purchases.
  Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful that the Emergency Food Assistance 
Enhancement Act will enjoy resounding and rapid support from the full 
House of Representatives. It is important that we increase commodity 
purchases for this important program.

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