[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 150 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9206-S9212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. Lugar (for himself and Mr. Casey):
  S. 3529. A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2010 
through 2014 to provide assistance to foreign countries to promote food 
security, to stimulate rural economies, and to improve emergency 
response to food crises, to amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 
and for other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
  Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I am pleased today to announce the 
introduction of the Global Food Security Act of 2008. I would like to 
thank my friend Senator Casey for lending his ideas and support to this 
bipartisan effort. I also thank USAID Administrator Henrietta Fore, who 
took an early interest in potential legislation. Her leadership is very 
much appreciated. Finally, I want to thank the members of USAID's 
informal food security team, who advised us on problems and possible 
legislative solutions.
  As we know, food prices started a steep climb in the fall of 2007 and 
continued to increase during the spring of this year. The crisis has 
abated somewhat, largely due to the drop in energy prices. Nonetheless, 
this episode demonstrated that there are significant structural 
challenges to attaining global food security. The system is vulnerable 
to periodic disruptions that both expose and exacerbate deeper 
problems.
  We live in a world where nearly 1 billion people suffer from chronic 
food insecurity. When droughts occur, hurricanes hit, or other 
disruptions arise, transitory food insecurity can put as many as 100 
million people at a time in grave danger. In fact, the World Food 
Program reports that 25,000 people die each day from malnutrition-
related causes. Health experts advise us that a diverse and secure food 
supply has major health benefits, including increasing child survival, 
improving cognitive and physical development of children, and 
increasing immune system function including resistance to HIV/AIDS.
  Food insecurity is a global tragedy, but it is also an opportunity 
for the U.S. The U.S. is the indisputable world leader in agricultural 
production and technology. A more focused effort on our part to join 
with other nations to increase yields, improve food distribution, and 
broaden agricultural knowledge could begin a new era in U.S. diplomacy. 
Such an effort could solidify relationships with nations where, up to 
now, we have had few positive contacts. It could improve our broader 
trade relations and serve as a model for similar endeavors in the areas 
of energy and scientific cooperation. Achieving food security for all 
people also would have profound implications for peace and U.S. 
national security. Hungry people are desperate people, and desperation 
often sows the seeds of conflict and extremism.
  The U.S. has always stood for big ideas--from the founding of the 
Republic on the basis of freedom to President Kennedy's vow to put a 
man on the moon. One of today's big ideas should be the eradication of 
hunger. We can bring America's dedication to science, innovation, 
technology, and education together to lead an effort devoted to 
overcoming the obstacles to food security.
  The Global Food Security Act of 2008, is a 5-year authorization that 
seeks to provide solutions that will have the greatest effect. First, 
it creates a Special Coordinator for Global Food Security and puts that 
person in charge of developing a food security strategy. We call on the 
development of that strategy to take a whole-of-government approach and 
to work with other international donors, the NGO community, and the 
private sector.
  Second, the bill authorizes additional resources for agricultural 
productivity and rural development. U.S. foreign assistance for 
agriculture has declined by nearly 70 percent since the 1980s. 
Globally, only four percent of official development assistance from all 
donors is allocated for agriculture. This amounts to neglect of what 
should be considered one of the most vital sectors in the alleviation 
of poverty. Food shortages are likely to recur frequently if the U.S. 
and the global community fail to invest in agricultural productivity in 
the developing world.
  World leaders must understand that over the long term, satisfying 
global demand for more and better food can be achieved only by 
increasing yields per acre. In the 1930s, my father, Marvin Lugar, 
produced corn yields of approximately 40 to 50 bushels per acre. Today, 
the Lugar farm yields about 150 bushels per acre on the same land in 
Marion County, IN. The Green Revolution, from 1965 to 1985, saw the 
introduction of high yield seeds and improved agricultural techniques 
that resulted in a near doubling of cereal grain production per acre 
over 20 years. But yields may have to be doubled or tripled again.
  Increasing acreage under production will not satisfy the growth in 
food demand, and these steps come with serious environmental and 
national security costs. We need a second green revolution that will 
benefit developed and developing nations alike.
  Recent studies have demonstrated that funds spent in agriculture can 
be

[[Page S9207]]

up to four times more beneficial to economic growth than spending in 
other areas. It seems, therefore, that our overall foreign aid strategy 
would benefit from restoring agriculture programs to their former 
prominence. The bill increases funding for these programs in the first 
year by $750 million. The increase would reach $2.5 billion in year 5. 
Because those who subsist on less than one dollar a day spend at least 
half their incomes on food, according to the International Food Policy 
Research Institute, the bill highlights the need to focus on those 
living in extreme poverty.
  In thinking about how to approach agricultural productivity, we tried 
to draw from the experience of U.S. land grant colleges and the 
contributions they have made to U.S. agriculture. The bill creates a 
new program that would strengthen institutions of higher education in 
the areas of agriculture sciences, research and extension programs. 
Investments in human capital and institutional capacity are important 
to developing a robust agricultural sector.
  Universities and research centers can play an important role in 
achieving technological advances that are appropriate to local 
conditions. As such, the bill calls for increasing collaborative 
research on the full range of biotechnological advances including 
genetically modified technologies.
  Third, the bill improves the U.S. emergency response to food crises 
by creating a separate Emergency Food Assistance Fund that can make 
local and regional purchases of food, where appropriate. Funds can be 
used for emergency food and agricultural assistance. The Government 
Accountability Office reports that it can often take 4 to 6 months from 
the time a crisis occurs until U.S. food shipments arrive. Our 
intention is to provide USAID with the flexibility to respond to 
emergencies more quickly, without supplanting other food programs such 
as P.L. 480.
  I hope that our bill will begin a productive dialogue on how our 
government can be a more effective partner with NGO and private actors 
in promoting food security. There is no good reason why nearly a 
billion people should be food insecure or that the world should have to 
endure the social upheaval and risks of conflict that this insecurity 
causes.
  I look forward to working with colleagues to improve the U.S. and 
global efforts to alleviate food insecurity and advance agricultural 
knowledge and technology worldwide.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 3529

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Global 
     Food Security Act of 2008''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.

         TITLE I--POLICY OBJECTIVES, PLANNING AND COORDINATION

Sec. 101. Statement of policy.
Sec. 102. Comprehensive food security strategy.
Sec. 103. Reports.

                      TITLE II--BILATERAL PROGRAMS

Sec. 201. Agriculture, rural development, and nutrition.
Sec. 202. Agricultural research.
Sec. 203. Higher education collaboration for technology, agriculture, 
              research and extension.

              TITLE III--EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO FOOD CRISES

Sec. 301. Emergency food assistance account.
Sec. 302. Authorization of appropriations.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Nearly 1,000,000,000 people worldwide suffer from food 
     insecurity, defined as a lack of access to sufficient food to 
     meet dietary needs for an active and healthy life.
       (2) The number of food insecure increased from 849,000,000 
     in 2006 to 982,000,000 in 2007.
       (3) The World Food Programme reports that 25,000 people die 
     each day from malnutrition-related causes.
       (4) The food security situation of lower income countries 
     is projected to continue to deteriorate over the next decade.
       (5) Nearly half of the world's food insecure live in Sub-
     Saharan Africa.
       (6) The agricultural sector comprises large portions of the 
     total labor force in many developing countries, as high as 70 
     to 80 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it also 
     contributes about 35 percent of the total gross national 
     product (GDP).
       (7) Agriculture has been shown to be an efficient engine of 
     economic growth in developing countries.
       (8) A diverse and secure food supply has health benefits, 
     including increasing child survival, improving cognitive and 
     physical development of children, and increasing immune 
     system function including resistance to HIV/AIDS.
       (9) Rapid increases in global food costs since 2007 
     threaten to significantly undermine gains achieved in poverty 
     reduction and health programs.
       (10) The poor in developing countries spend as much as 50 
     to 70 percent of their incomes on food.
       (11) Three out of five of those suffering from hunger are 
     rural small-scale agricultural families. One out of five is a 
     rural landless laborer, and another one-fifth are urban poor, 
     according to the United Nations Hunger Task Force.
       (12) A comprehensive approach to food security should 
     encompass improvements in nutrition, education, agricultural 
     infrastructure and productivity, finance and markets, safety 
     net programs, household incomes, and emergency preparedness.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
     Administrator of the United States Agency for International 
     Development.
       (2) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
     ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the Senate; and
       (B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
       (3) Chronic food insecurity.--The term ``chronic food 
     insecurity'' means ongoing and persistent lack of access to 
     sufficient food to meet dietary needs for an active and 
     healthy life.
       (4) Extreme poverty.--The term ``extreme poverty'' means 
     income of less than half of the poverty level as defined by 
     the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for 
     the relevant year.
       (5) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     ``institution of higher education'' means educational 
     institutions providing post-secondary education and training.

         TITLE I--POLICY OBJECTIVES, PLANNING AND COORDINATION

     SEC. 101. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

       It is the policy of the United States to promote global 
     food security, to improve agricultural productivity, to 
     support the development of institutions of higher learning 
     that will enhance human capacity, a knowledge economy, 
     agricultural research and technology, and the dissemination 
     of farming techniques to all levels of the agriculture 
     sector, and to support sustainable farming methods.

     SEC. 102. COMPREHENSIVE FOOD SECURITY STRATEGY.

       (a) Special Coordinator.--The President shall designate an 
     individual to serve in the Executive Office of the President 
     as the Special Coordinator for Food Security. The coordinator 
     shall advise and assist the President by--
       (1) advising the President on international food security 
     issues;
       (2) taking such actions as are necessary to ensure the 
     coordination of the food security efforts and programs of the 
     United States, including the activities of Federal agencies, 
     and
       (3) overseeing the development and implementation of the 
     strategy described in subsection (b).
       (b) Content of Strategy.--The strategy referred to in 
     subsection (a)(3) is a comprehensive food security strategy 
     that--
       (1) includes specific and measurable goals, benchmarks and 
     time frames, and a plan of action to achieve the objectives 
     described in section 101;
       (2) seeks to encourage and leverage, to the greatest extent 
     possible--
       (A) private sector participation, including through the 
     Global Development Alliances of the United States Agency for 
     International Development and other measures; and
       (B) the coordination of United States food security efforts 
     with similar efforts of international organizations, 
     international financial institutions, the governments of 
     developing and developed countries, and United States and 
     international nongovernmental organizations;
       (3) provides appropriate linkages with United States 
     international health programs, such as the President's 
     Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief;
       (4) reflects a whole-of-government approach that 
     incorporates and encompasses the programs of relevant Federal 
     departments and agencies that engage in some aspect of food 
     security, including the Department of State, the United 
     States Agency for International Development, the Department 
     of Agriculture, the Department of Defense, the Millennium 
     Challenge Corporation, the Department of the Treasury, the 
     Office of the United States Trade Representative, and the 
     Department of Health and Human Services; and

[[Page S9208]]

       (5) provides annual monitoring and evaluation of the 
     program addressing progress toward access to food, 
     availability of food, utilization of food, and risk factors 
     associated with food insecure populations.
       (c) Implementation.--The United States Agency for 
     International Development shall be the lead agency in 
     implementing the strategy described in subsection (b).

     SEC. 103. REPORTS.

       (a) Annual Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, and not later than December 31 of 
     each year thereafter through 2014, the President shall submit 
     to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the 
     implementation of the strategy described in section 102(b).
       (2) Content.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall 
     include--
       (A) a copy of the strategy and an indication of any changes 
     made in the strategy during the preceding calendar year;
       (B) an assessment of progress made during the preceding 
     calendar year toward meeting the objectives described in 
     section 101 and the specific goals, benchmarks, and time 
     frames specified in the strategy described in section 102(b);
       (C) a description of United States Government programs 
     contributing to the achievement of the objectives described 
     in section 101, including the amounts expended on such 
     programs during the preceding fiscal year; and
       (D) an assessment of United States efforts to encourage and 
     leverage private sector participation in United States food 
     security programs and to coordinate such programs with 
     similar efforts of international organizations, international 
     financial institutions, the governments of developing and 
     developed countries, and United States and international 
     nongovernmental organizations.
       (3) Government accountability office report.--Not later 
     than 270 days after the submission of each report under 
     paragraph (1), the Comptroller General of the United States 
     shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a 
     report that contains--
       (A) a review of, and comments addressing, the report 
     submitted under paragraph (1); and
       (B) recommendations relating to any additional actions the 
     Comptroller General determines to be necessary to improve a 
     global food security strategy and its implementation.
       (b) Program Review.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a report containing--
       (A) an assessment of progress made during the preceding 
     four years toward meeting the objectives described in section 
     101 and the specific goals, benchmarks, and time frames 
     specified in the strategy described in section 102(b); and
       (B) an evaluation of the impact during the preceding four 
     years of United States food security programs on food 
     security, health, and economic growth in countries suffering 
     from chronic food insecurity.
       (2) Basis for report.--The report required under paragraph 
     (1) shall be based on assessments and impact evaluations 
     utilizing sound quantitative and qualitative methodologies 
     and techniques for the behavioral sciences.

                      TITLE II--BILATERAL PROGRAMS

     SEC. 201. AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND NUTRITION.

       (a) Authority.--Section 103(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance 
     Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151a(a)(1)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a semicolon;
       (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(D) to expand the economic participation of people living 
     in extreme poverty and those who lack access to 
     agriculturally productive land, including through productive 
     safety net programs and health and nutrition programs, and to 
     integrate those living in extreme poverty into the 
     economy.''.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the President to provide assistance 
     under section 103 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 
     U.S.C. 2151a) for the purpose of carrying out activities 
     under this section, in addition to funds otherwise available 
     for such purpose--
       (1) $750,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       (2) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
       (3) $1,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;
       (4) $2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
       (5) $2,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
       (c) Collaborative Research Support Program.--Of the amounts 
     appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations 
     under subsection (b), up to $35,000,000 may be made available 
     annually for the Collaborative Research Support Program for 
     fiscal years 2011 through 2014.
       (d) Consultative Group on International Agricultural 
     Research.--Of the amounts appropriated pursuant to the 
     authorization of appropriations under subsection (b), up to 
     $45,000,000 may be made available annually for core long-term 
     research for the Consultative Group on International 
     Agricultural Research for fiscal years 2011 through 2014.

     SEC. 202. AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.

       Section 103A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 
     U.S.C. 2151a-1) is amended in the first sentence--
       (1) by striking ``, and (3) make'' and inserting ``, (3) 
     make''; and
       (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, and 
     (4) include research on biotechnological advances appropriate 
     to local ecological conditions, including genetically 
     modified technology.''.

     SEC. 203. HIGHER EDUCATION COLLABORATION FOR TECHNOLOGY, 
                   AGRICULTURE, RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Institutions of higher education can promote a robust 
     agriculture sector through investments in human capital, 
     research and technology, and extension services.
       (2) Enrollment levels in higher education are 5 percent in 
     Africa, 10 percent in South Asia, 19 percent in East Asia, 
     and 23 percent in North Africa and the Middle East.
       (3) Universities in the United States have a history of 
     serving as engines of development.
       (4) Many universities in the United States have experience 
     in partnering with foreign universities on faculty and 
     student exchanges, curriculum development, and joint research 
     projects.
       (5) According to a World Bank study, higher education 
     contributes to national productivity, raises living 
     standards, and improves a country's ability to compete 
     globally.
       (6) United States foreign assistance support for higher 
     education has declined from the 1990s.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to provide 
     United States assistance for the development of higher 
     educational capacity in the field of agriculture in a manner 
     that promotes economic growth in rural areas, the alleviation 
     of poverty and malnutrition, nutritional diversity, and good 
     governance.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Assistance plan.--The term `` `assistance plan' '' 
     means a multi-year plan developed by the United States Agency 
     for International Development in coordination with a foreign 
     government addressing assistance for agricultural education 
     programs.
       (2) Board.--The term `` `Board' '' means the Board for 
     Higher Education Collaboration for Technology, Agriculture, 
     Research, and Extension.
       (3) Education center of excellence.--The term `` `education 
     center of excellence' '' means an institution of higher 
     education that is designated as the lead educational 
     institution for purposes of the assistance plan.
       (4) Eligible country.--The term `` `eligible country' '' 
     means a country that meets the requirements of subsection 
     (h).
       (d) Establishment of Program.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
     shall establish a program to be known as the Higher Education 
     Collaboration for Technology, Agriculture, Research, and 
     Extension (in this section referred to as the ``Program'' or 
     ``HECTARE'') for the purpose of providing assistance in 
     support of policies and programs in eligible countries that 
     advance agricultural productivity and hunger alleviation 
     through partnerships with institutions of higher education.
       (e) Form of Assistance.--Assistance may be provided under 
     this section in the form of grants, cooperative agreements, 
     or contracts to or with eligible entities described in 
     subsection (i) and shall be provided pursuant to assistance 
     plans as described in subsection (g). Assistance may not be 
     provided under this section in the form of loans.
       (f) Use of Funds.--Assistance provided under this section 
     may be used to provide support to education centers of 
     excellence in eligible countries for the following purposes:
       (1) Academic exchange programs for students, faculty 
     members, and school administrators with other education of 
     centers of excellence and with universities in the United 
     States.
       (2) Strengthening agriculture sciences curricula.
       (3) Increasing research capacity.
       (4) Improving the dissemination of appropriate information 
     and technology to farmers.
       (g) Assistance Plans.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall provide assistance 
     under this section pursuant to an assistance plan developed 
     in coordination with an eligible country that establishes a 
     multi-year plan for significantly improving agricultural 
     productivity and investing in rural economies through the 
     strengthening of agricultural programs at institutions of 
     higher learning.
       (2) Elements.--An assistance plan should--
       (A) take into account the national development strategy of 
     the eligible country;
       (B) identify an education center of excellence devoted to 
     agricultural sciences (in this paragraph referred to as a 
     ``center'');
       (C) identify the partnerships between the center and other 
     institutions of higher learning, including schools or 
     research institutions in the United States and foreign 
     countries, government agencies, including local and regional 
     governments, private sector entities, and civil society;
       (D) identify appropriate channels for dissemination of 
     farming techniques to the field; and
       (E) identify the center's plans for--
       (i) conducting agricultural research and technology;
       (ii) strengthening the teaching of agriculture science, 
     including programs aimed at curriculum, faculty, and 
     students;
       (iii) providing rural outreach services (extension); and
       (iv) improving university administration.

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       (3) Coordination.--The Administrator, as appropriate, shall 
     coordinate the development of assistance plans with the 
     Global AIDS/HIV Coordinator of the Department of State to 
     ensure coordination of such plans with education programs 
     provided for in section 204(c) of the United States 
     Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 
     2003 (22 U.S.C. 7623(c)).
       (h) Eligible Countries.--
       (1) Criteria.--The Administrator shall identify eligible 
     countries for purposes of this section. Such determination 
     shall be based, to the maximum extent possible, upon 
     objective and quantifiable indicators of a country's 
     demonstrated commitment to the following:
       (A) Investments in, and support for, rural economies, 
     including the protection of private property rights, the 
     promotion of private sector growth and sustainable management 
     of natural resources, the rights of women, and the well-being 
     of women and children.
       (B) Raising agricultural productivity of small- and medium-
     sized farms.
       (C) Alleviating poverty and hunger among the entire 
     population.
       (D) Strengthening the system of higher education 
     institutions with regard to agriculture science, research, 
     and technology.
       (E) The wide dissemination of farming techniques.
       (F) Working with other international partners, such as 
     universities in the United States, other foreign 
     universities, civil society, and private business and 
     research institutions.
       (G) Good governance, transparency, and anti-corruption 
     policies.
       (2) Additional factors.--The Administrator, in selecting 
     eligible countries, shall consider--
       (A) the extent to which the country clearly meets or 
     exceeds the eligibility criteria;
       (B) the opportunity to increase agricultural productivity, 
     enhance human and institutional capacity, and reduce hunger 
     in the country;
       (C) the availability of funds to carry out this section; 
     and
       (D) the percentage of the country's population that faces 
     chronic food insecurity.
       (i) Eligible Entities.--Entities eligible for assistance 
     under this section are the following:
       (1) Universities in the United States working in 
     partnership with institutions of higher education in eligible 
     countries.
       (2) Education centers of excellence and other institutions 
     of higher education in eligible countries.
       (3) National governments of eligible countries.
       (4) Regional or local governmental units of eligible 
     countries.
       (5) Nongovernmental organizations and private entities.
       (j) Board for Global Agricultural Education.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     permanent Board for Global Agricultural Education (in this 
     section referred to as the ``Board'') for purposes of 
     assisting in the administration of the programs authorized 
     under this section.
       (2) Membership.--The Board shall consist of 7 members, of 
     whom--
       (A) not less than 4 shall be selected from universities in 
     the United States; and
       (B) not less than 3 shall be selected from representatives 
     of nongovernmental organizations devoted to agricultural 
     research and education.
       (3) Duties.--The duties of the Board shall include the 
     following:
       (A) Responsibility for advising the Administrator on issues 
     related to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of 
     activities described in this section.
       (B) Advising the Administrator in the formulation of basic 
     policy, program design, procedures, and criteria for the 
     Program.
       (C) Advising the Administrator on the qualifications of 
     interested institutions of higher learning based on--
       (i) their ability to work collaboratively to improve 
     agricultural production, scientific research, and the 
     dissemination of sound agricultural technologies;
       (ii) their commitment to expanding and applying their 
     academic, teaching, research, and outreach capacities; and
       (iii) their commitment to partner with private 
     organizations, civil society, and government entities.
       (D) Advising the Administrator on which developing nations 
     could benefit from programs carried out under this section 
     and have an interest in establishing or developing 
     agricultural institutions that engage in teaching, research, 
     or extension services.
       (4) Term.--Terms of members shall be set by the 
     Administrator at the time of appointment.
       (5) Reimbursement of expenses.--Members of the Board shall 
     be entitled to such reimbursement of expenses incurred in the 
     performance of their duties (including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence while away from their homes or regular place of 
     business) as the Administrator deems appropriate on a case-
     by-case basis.
       (k) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the President for the purpose of 
     carrying out activities under this section--
       (1) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       (2) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
       (3) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;
       (4) $400,000,000 for fiscal year 2013; and
       (5) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2014.
       (l) Disclosure of Funding Received by United States 
     Universities.--The Administrator shall prescribe regulations 
     providing for the utilization by universities in the United 
     States of alternative sources of public and private funding 
     to carry out the purposes of this section and requiring the 
     disclosure, not less than annually, of all such alternative 
     funding, both prospective and received.
       (m) Annual Report.--Not later than October 1, 2009, and 
     annually thereafter, the President shall submit to Congress a 
     report detailing the activities carried out under this 
     section during the preceding fiscal year and containing a 
     projection of programs and activities to be conducted in the 
     following year.

              TITLE III--EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO FOOD CRISES

     SEC. 301. EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE ACCOUNT.

       (a) Authority.--Whenever the President determines it to be 
     important to the national interest, the President may furnish 
     on such terms and conditions as he may determine appropriate 
     assistance under this Act or the Foreign Assistance Act of 
     1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) for the purpose of meeting 
     unexpected urgent food assistance needs, notwithstanding any 
     provision of law which restricts assistance to foreign 
     countries.
       (b) Establishment of Account.--
       (1) Establishment.--There is established a United States 
     Emergency Food Assistance Fund to carry out the purposes of 
     this section (in this section referred to as the ``Fund'').
       (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the President from time to time such 
     sums as may be necessary for the Fund to carry out the 
     purposes of this section, except that no amount of funds may 
     be appropriated which, when added to amounts previously 
     appropriated but not yet obligated for such purpose, would 
     cause the total of such appropriated amounts to exceed 
     $500,000,000.
       (3)  Availability of funds.--Amounts appropriated pursuant 
     to this section shall remain available until expended.
       (c) Use of Funds.--Assistance provided under this section 
     may include the local and regional purchase and distribution 
     of food, and the provision of emergency non-food assistance.
       (d) Limited Delegation of Authority.--The authority under 
     subsection (a) may be delegated to the Administrator, 
     provided that not more than $100,000,000 may be made 
     available in any fiscal year pursuant to determinations made 
     by the Administrator pursuant to the delegation of such 
     authority.
       (e) Reporting Requirements.--The Administration shall 
     submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees 
     not later than 5 days before providing assistance pursuant to 
     a determination made under this section. The report shall 
     indicate the unexpected urgent food needs to be addressed by 
     the assistance and the amount of assistance to be provided.

     SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There is authorized to be appropriated $500,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2010 for the purpose of carrying out this title.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Ensign, 
        Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Feingold, Ms. Collins, Ms. 
        Cantwell, Mr. Sununu, Mr. Leahy, Mrs. Dole, Mr. Smith, Mr. 
        Alexander, Mr. Dodd, Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Kerry, Mr. 
        Harkin, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Obama, Mrs. Clinton, Ms. Stabenow, and 
        Mr. Biden):
  S. 3532. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow 
the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the standard mileage rate 
for use of a passenger automobile for purposes of the charitable 
contributions deduction and to exclude charitable mileage 
reimbursements from gross income; to the Committee on Finance.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill, the 
Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere Act. In today's economic 
climate, Americans need relief from sky-rocketing oil and gas prices. 
This applies to everyone, including people who engage in much-needed 
volunteer work. In July, I introduced a similar bill to help 
volunteers. It gave the Internal Revenue Service authority to change 
the mileage rate--currently set by statute at 14 cents per mile--for 
calculating the deductible cost of operating a vehicle for charitable 
purposes. We can't let an out-of-date mileage rate exacerbate the pinch 
at the pump for volunteers who selflessly provide so many vital goods 
and services in every community across America. After working with 
Congressman Lewis and Congressman Ramstad on compromise language we 
have improved the original bill. This compromise legislation will 
provide immediate relief for volunteers serving our elderly, poor, 
frail, and at-risk Americans. I am pleased that the

[[Page S9210]]

senior Senator from Maine, Senator Snowe, and my other colleagues, the 
senior Senator from New York, Senator Schumer, the junior Senator from 
Nevada, Senator Ensign, the senior Senator from Maryland, Senator 
Mikulski, and the senior Senator from Iowa, Senator Grassley, and the 
junior Senator from Wisconsin, Senator Feingold, are original 
cosponsors of this bill and I thank all of them for their support.
  The Internal Revenue Code does not fix a rate for individuals who are 
required to use their own vehicle for work, or for individuals taking a 
mileage deduction for moving purposes. The IRS is able to increase the 
deduction amount for these purposes to reflect the current economic 
climate and dramatically higher fuel prices. This is exactly what the 
IRS recently did.
  As of July 1st, the IRS modified the standard mileage rates for 
computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, 
medical, or moving expenses. The revised standard mileage rate for 
business purposes increased from 50.5 cents per mile to 58.5 cents. For 
medical and moving expenses, the IRS increased the rate from 19 cents 
per mile to 27 cents per mile. I think the Nation's volunteers who 
travel on behalf of charitable organizations deserve an increase in 
their mileage rate, too.
  My bill gives the IRS flexibility in setting the rate so that 
volunteers for charitable organizations could be given the same tax 
benefit accruing for moving, medical, and business expenses. It also 
provides a floor for volunteers, not allowing their rate to be set 
lower than moving and medical rate. In today's climate of increasing 
food and fuel prices, this bill will help relieve some of the pressure 
on charitable organizations and their volunteers. Additionally, this 
bill will allow the organization to reimburse the volunteer up to the 
business rate without any tax impact to volunteers.
  Take Meals on Wheels, for example. This organization delivers 
nutritious meals and other nutrition services to men and women who are 
elderly, homebound, disabled, frail, or otherwise at-risk. The services 
Meals on Wheels provides significantly improve the recipients' quality 
of life and health, and often help to postpone institutionalization.
  Over the past year, there has been nearly a 20 percent increase in 
fuel and food prices, coupled with reduced Government funding and fewer 
donations across the country. Nearly 60 percent of the estimated 5,000 
programs that operate under the auspices of the Meals on Wheels 
Association of America have lost volunteers, in large part because it 
is too expensive for the volunteers to drive back and forth. Nearly 
half the programs have eliminated routes or consolidated meal services. 
About 38 percent of the programs have switched to delivering frozen 
meals, and about 30 percent are cutting personal visits from 5 days a 
week to one.
  In Maryland, the Central Maryland Meals on Wheels has experienced an 
increase of 7 percent in food costs and suppliers are charging higher 
delivery fees. The cost to fill up the vans with gas has increased. 
Fuel costs averaged $72,538.70 in fiscal year 2007; this year, the 
costs have jumped to $86,790.63. This is an organization with 
volunteers serving over 3,100 elderly, disabled, frail and at-risk 
Marylanders. Its volunteers deserve relief from high gas prices just as 
much as people who use their car for work or for medical purposes or 
for moving.
  Throughout the U.S., Meals on Wheels served over 3 million people and 
more than 250 million meals in fiscal year 2006. This is just one of 
thousands of charitable organizations. We need to encourage and support 
the Meals on Wheels volunteers and all other volunteers who need their 
cars to help their neighbors and communities. The Giving Incentives to 
Volunteers Everywhere bill will do just that, and I hope my colleagues 
will support it.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 3532

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Giving Incentives to 
     Volunteers Everywhere Act of 2008'' or the ``GIVE Act of 
     2008''.

     SEC. 2. DETERMINATION OF STANDARD MILEAGE RATE FOR CHARITABLE 
                   CONTRIBUTIONS DEDUCTION.

       (a) In General.--Subsection (i) of section 170 of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to standard mileage 
     rate for use of passenger automobile) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(i) Standard Mileage Rate for Use of Passenger 
     Automobile.--For purposes of computing the deduction under 
     this section for use of a passenger automobile, the standard 
     mileage rate shall be the rate determined by the Secretary, 
     which rate shall not be less than the standard mileage rate 
     used for purposes of section 213.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section 
     shall apply to miles traveled after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.

     SEC. 3. EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME FOR CHARITABLE MILEAGE 
                   REIMBURSEMENTS.

       (a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of 
     the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to items 
     specifically excluded from gross income) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following new section:

     ``SEC. 139C. CHARITABLE MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT.

       ``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, gross 
     income shall not include amounts received from an 
     organization described in section 170(c)(2) as reimbursement 
     of operating expenses with respect to the use of a passenger 
     automobile for the benefit of such organization.
       ``(b) Limitation.--The amount excluded from gross income 
     under subsection (a) shall not exceed the product of the 
     standard mileage rate used for purposes of section 162 
     multiplied by the number of miles traveled for which such 
     reimbursement is made.
       ``(c) Application to Volunteer Services Only.--Subsection 
     (a) shall not apply with respect to any expenses relating to 
     the performance of services for compensation.
       ``(d) No Double Benefit.--A taxpayer may not claim a 
     deduction or credit under any other provision of this title 
     with respect to reimbursements excluded from income under 
     subsection (a).
       ``(e) Exemption From Reporting Requirements.--Section 6041 
     shall not apply with respect to reimbursements excluded from 
     income under subsection (a).
       ``(f) Maintenance of Records.--For purposes of this 
     section, no exclusion shall be allowed under subsection (a) 
     for any reimbursement unless with respect to such 
     reimbursement the taxpayer meets substantiation requirements 
     similar to the requirements of section 274(d).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for part 
     III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new item:

``Sec. 139C. Charitable mileage reimbursement.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     shall apply to miles traveled after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. DODD (for himself and Mr. Voinovich):
  S. 3534. A bill to provide for the expansion of Federal programs to 
prevent and manage vision loss, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Vision 
Preservation Act of 2008 with my colleague Sen. George Voinovich. The 
goal of this legislation is to help Americans avoid the personal 
tragedy of unnecessary, preventable vision loss. This important 
legislation is supported by Prevent Blindness America, the American 
Foundation for the Blind, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and 
the American Optometric Association
  Right now there are an estimated 80 million Americans suffering from 
potentially blinding eye disease. Three million more Americans struggle 
with low vision. 1.1 million more are legally blind. Glaucoma, diabetic 
retinopathy, cataract and age-related macular degeneration, AMD, and 
other vision problems are costing tens of thousands of people in the 
United States their ability to see each year. With the aging baby boom 
generation moving toward retirement age, these numbers are expected to 
grow considerably. It is estimated that by 2030, the number of blind 
and visually impaired people will double if nothing is done.
  Unsurprisingly, ``The Economic Impact of Vision Problems: The Toll of 
Major Adult Eye Disorders, Visual Impairment, and Blindness on the U.S. 
Economy,'' a study conducted by Prevent Blindness America, reveals that 
vision loss carries significant cost to individuals, private insurers, 
health care providers, and the Federal government. The study indicates 
that the direct and indirect costs of vision loss among adults are 
$51.4 billion. And over a lifetime, the cost for just one

[[Page S9211]]

person dealing with this terrible condition is $566,000. The lifetime 
costs associated with just those Americans born with vision loss in 
2000 is $2.5 billion.
  But what makes vision loss even more tragic is that half of all 
blindness is preventable if action is taken soon enough. There are many 
health and financial challenges our nation is facing that we may just 
have to weather. But here is one we can do something about--and we 
should. That is why Sen. Voinovich and I are introducing the Vision 
Preservation Act. This legislation would improve and strengthen 
important public health programs at the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Health Resources 
and Services Administration, HRSA. Specifically, it would expand 
existing public education and awareness efforts to empower Americans to 
do what is necessary to protect their own vision. This legislation 
would also incorporate vision screening, prevention, and rehabilitation 
into the Maternal and Child Health Block Grants and the Community 
Health Centers so low income Americans who are most likely to go 
without needed prevention and screening can be alerted to the early 
warning signs of vision loss. It would improve the training and 
education of health professionals so that they are better prepared to 
help their patients identify and deal with conditions that could lead 
to vision loss.
  These are simple steps that we in the Senate can take to help make 
sure that millions of Americans can live without fear of losing their 
sight. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this legislation.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and 
a letter of support be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                S. 3534

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Vision Preservation Act of 
     2008''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       (a) Findings.--The Congress finds as follows:
       (1) An estimated 80 million Americans have a potentially 
     blinding eye disease, and more than 19.1 million Americans 
     report trouble seeing, even with eye glasses or contacts. At 
     least 1.1 million Americans are legally blind, and 200,000 
     Americans experience profound vision loss. Refractive errors 
     affect approximately one third of persons 40 years or older 
     in the United States. Visual impairment is one of the 10 more 
     frequent causes of disability in the United States.
       (2) While it is believed that half of all blindness can be 
     prevented, the number of Americans who are blind or visually 
     impaired is expected to double by 2030.
       (3) Vision loss can, especially without appropriate 
     rehabilitation and skills training, significantly impact an 
     individual's ability to conduct activities of daily living, 
     as well as developmental learning, communicating, working, 
     health, and quality of life.
       (4) One in twenty preschoolers experience visual impairment 
     which, if unaddressed, can affect learning ability, 
     personality, and adjustment in school.
       (5) It is estimated that blindness and visual impairment 
     cost the Federal Government more than $4 billion annually in 
     benefits and lost taxable income, and cost the United States 
     economy approximately $51.4 billion annually in direct 
     medical costs, direct non medical costs, and indirect costs 
     such as lost productivity and wages.
       (6) Vision rehabilitation helps people with vision loss to 
     live safely and independently at home and in the community, 
     reduce medication errors, cook and perform other daily 
     activities reliably, and avoid accidents which may lead to 
     injury or even the onset of additional disabilities, 
     especially among older persons living with vision loss.
       (7) Recognizing that the Nation requires a public health 
     approach to visual impairment, the Department of Health and 
     Human Services dedicated a portion of its Healthy People 2010 
     initiative to vision. The initiative set out as a goal the 
     improvement of the Nation's visual health through prevention, 
     early detection, treatment, and rehabilitation.
       (8) Greater efforts must be made at the Federal, State, and 
     local levels to increase awareness of vision loss and its 
     causes, its impact, the importance of early diagnosis, 
     treatment, and rehabilitation, and effective prevention 
     strategies.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress 
     that the Nation must have a full-scale integrated public 
     health strategy to comprehensively address vision loss and 
     its causes that, at a minimum, includes the following:
       (1) Communication and education.
       (2) Surveillance, epidemiology, and prevention research.
       (3) Programs, policies, and systems change.

     SEC. 3. VISION LOSS PREVENTION.

       Part B of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 
     U.S.C. 243 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 
     317S the following:

     ``SEC. 317T. PREVENTIVE HEALTH MEASURES WITH RESPECT TO 
                   VISION LOSS.

       ``(a) Communication and Education.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health 
     Resources and Services Administration, and the National 
     Institutes of Health, shall expand and intensify programs to 
     increase awareness of vision problems, including awareness 
     of--
       ``(A) the impact of vision problems; and
       ``(B) the importance of early diagnosis, management, and 
     effective prevention and rehabilitation strategies.
       ``(2) Activities.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary may--
       ``(A) conduct public service announcements and education 
     campaigns;
       ``(B) enter into partnerships with eye-health professional 
     organizations and other vision-related organizations;
       ``(C) conduct community disease prevention campaigns;
       ``(D) conduct testing, evaluation, and model training for 
     vision screeners based on scientific studies; and
       ``(E) evaluate strategies to reduce barriers to access to 
     treatment by optometrists and ophthalmologists.
       ``(3) Evaluation.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary shall--
       ``(A) establish appropriate measurements for public 
     awareness of vision problems;
       ``(B) establish appropriate measurements to determine the 
     effectiveness of existing campaigns to increase awareness of 
     vision problems;
       ``(C) establish quantitative benchmarks for determining the 
     effectiveness of activities carried out under this 
     subsection; and
       ``(D) not later than 12 months after the date of the 
     enactment of this section, submit a report to the Congress on 
     the results achieved through such activities.
       ``(b) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Health Services 
     Research.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall expand and intensify 
     activities to establish a solid scientific base of knowledge 
     on the prevention, control, and rehabilitation of vision 
     problems and related disabilities.
       ``(2) Activities.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary may--
       ``(A) create a national ongoing surveillance system;
       ``(B) identify and test screening modalities;
       ``(C) evaluate strategies to reduce barriers to access to 
     treatment by optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other vision 
     rehabilitation professionals;
       ``(D) evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of 
     current and future interventions and community strategies;
       ``(E) update and improve knowledge about the true costs of 
     vision problems and related disabilities; and
       ``(F) require the Surgeon General to assess the state of 
     vision care and vision rehabilitation in the United States.
       ``(c) Programs, Policies, and Systems.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall expand and intensify 
     research within the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention on the prevention and management of vision loss.
       ``(2) Activities.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary may--
       ``(A) build partnerships with voluntary health 
     organizations, nonprofit vision rehabilitation agencies, 
     Federal, State, and local public health agencies, eye health 
     professional organizations, and organizations with an 
     interest in vision issues;
       ``(B) work with health care systems to better address 
     vision problems and associated disabilities; and
       ``(C) award grants for community outreach regarding vision 
     loss to health care institutions and national vision 
     organizations with broad community presence.''.

     SEC. 4. EXPANSION OF VISION PROGRAMS UNDER THE MATERNAL AND 
                   CHILD HEALTH SERVICE BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.

       Section 501(a)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     701(a)(3)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (E);
       (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (F) 
     and inserting ``, and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(G) introduce core performance measures on eye health by 
     incorporating vision screening and examination standards into 
     State programs under this title, based on scientific 
     studies.''.

     SEC. 5. PREVENTION AND TREATMENT FOR UNDERSERVED, MINORITY, 
                   AND OTHER POPULATIONS.

       (a) Expansion and Intensification of Vision Programs.--The 
     Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section 
     referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall expand and intensify 
     programs targeted to prevent vision loss, treat eye and 
     vision conditions, and rehabilitate people of all ages who 
     are blind or partially sighted in underserved and minority 
     communities, including the following:
       (1) Vision care services at community health centers 
     receiving assistance under section 330 of the Public Health 
     Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b).
       (2) Vision rehabilitation programs at vision rehabilitation 
     agencies, eye clinics, and hospitals.

[[Page S9212]]

       (b) Voluntary Guidelines for Vision Screening.--The 
     Secretary, in consultation with eye-health professional 
     organizations and other vision-related organizations, shall 
     develop voluntary guidelines to ensure the quality of vision 
     screening and appropriate referral for comprehensive eye 
     examinations and subsequent vision rehabilitation services.

     SEC. 6. VISION REHABILITATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 
                   GRANTS.

       (a) Authority.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services 
     (in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') may make 
     grants to eligible institutions of higher education or 
     nonprofit organizations for the purpose of activities 
     described in subsection (b) relating to vision rehabilitation 
     professional development.
       (b) Use of Funds.--The Secretary may not make a grant to an 
     institution of higher education or a nonprofit organization 
     under this section unless the institution or organization 
     agrees to use the grant for the following:
       (1) Developing and offering preparatory and continuing 
     education training opportunities (incorporating state-of-the-
     art approaches, technologies, and therapies to meet the 
     unique needs of older adults with vision loss) in--
       (A) geriatrics among vision rehabilitation professionals, 
     including professionals in the vision rehabilitation therapy, 
     orientation and mobility, and low vision therapy fields; and
       (B) vision rehabilitation among occupational therapists and 
     others in related rehabilitation and health disciplines.
       (2) Conducting, and disseminating the findings and 
     conclusions of, research on the effectiveness of preparatory 
     and continuing education training under paragraph (1).
       (3) Developing and disseminating interdisciplinary course 
     curricula for use in the preparation of new professionals in 
     vision rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and related 
     rehabilitation and health disciplines.
       (4) Educating physicians, nurses, and other health care 
     providers about the value of vision rehabilitation, to 
     increase appropriate referral by such professionals for the 
     full range of vision rehabilitation services available to 
     older individuals with vision loss.
       (c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, an entity shall be a university, academic 
     medical center, national or regional nonprofit organization, 
     community rehabilitation provider, or allied health education 
     program, or a consortium of such entities, that--
       (1) offers or coordinates education or training activities 
     among professionals described in subsection (b)(1); or
       (2) agrees to use the grant to expand its capacity to 
     coordinate such activities.
       (d) Distribution of Grants.--In awarding grants under this 
     section, the Secretary shall ensure that grantees offer or 
     coordinate training for current and emerging professionals--
       (1) from a variety of geographic regions and a range of 
     different types and sizes of settings and facilities, 
     including settings and facilities located in rural, urban, 
     and suburban areas; and
       (2) serving a variety of populations of older individuals 
     with vision loss, including racial and ethnic minorities, 
     low-income individuals, and other underserved populations.
       (e) Application.--To seek a grant under this section, an 
     entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such 
     time, in such manner, and containing such information as the 
     Secretary may require.
                                  ____



                              American Optometric Association,

                               Alexandria, VA, September 19, 2008.
     Hon. Chris Dodd,
     U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Dodd: The American Optometric Association 
     (AOA), representing over 36,000 doctors of optometry who are 
     the frontline providers of eye and vision care, optometric 
     researchers, educators and optometry students, deeply 
     appreciates your continued outstanding leadership on priority 
     eye and vision care issues before Congress.
       With that in mind, it is my pleasure to inform you that the 
     AOA wholly endorses and will be working to pass the Vision 
     Preservation Act of 2008, legislation you have crafted to 
     strengthen federal vision programs designed to prevent and 
     manage vision loss.
       Vision impairments are a growing problem in the US--
     particularly with the aging of the babyboomer generation. 
     Approximately 80 million Americans have a potentially 
     blinding eye disease such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, 
     cataract, and age-related macular degeneration. If we fail to 
     take decisive action, the number of blind and visually 
     impaired Americans will double in the next 25 years, even 
     though half of all blindness is preventable.
       By introducing the Vision Preservation Act, you are 
     providing important leadership on vision-related programs and 
     policies at the federal level. This bill's focus on 
     increasing public awareness about vision problems, bolstering 
     research at the National Eye Institute, and improving access 
     to vision care at Federally-Qualified Health Centers, the 
     Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and under the Medicaid 
     program are key components that optometry and others in the 
     vision community are completely united behind.
       As the Vision Preservation Act of 2008 is considered, be 
     assured that we will continue to work with you and your 
     colleagues in Congress to place maximum emphasis on early 
     identification of those individuals at risk for vision loss 
     and need access to quality care.
       If we can be of any assistance on this legislation, or any 
     other vision related questions, please contact Alicia Kerry 
     Jones.
           Sincerely,
                                            Michele Haranin, O.D.,
                           Chair, AOA Federal Relations Committee.

     

                          ____________________