[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THAT WE ARE FACING A GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS

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                               speech of

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2008

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this 
resolution recognizing the need to combat the global food crisis.
  Rising fuel prices and the effects of globalization exacerbate the 
problems related to the growing cost of food, causing populations of 
developing countries to experience great hardships in purchasing their 
basic necessities. This emergency has already affected millions and 
will increase the poverty levels endured by the most vulnerable groups 
worldwide. Children are especially susceptible to the effects of 
malnourishment, which weakens their immune systems, causing millions of 
children to suffer from infectious diseases, impaired brain 
development, and stunted growth.
  The dire situation of rising food prices has already led to unrest in 
some parts of the world. The U.N. has created a special task force and 
the World Food Program has called for $755 million in increased funding 
to cover the high costs of food and fuel. The United States must take 
an active role in coordinating international action through a world 
forum designed to determine what must be done to alleviate this crisis 
worldwide and protect the children and other vulnerable populations 
affected.

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