[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 2011

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2112) making 
     appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and 
     Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other 
     purposes:

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to the 
FY12 Agriculture Appropriations Bill. This measure does not reflect the 
needs of our constituents, nor the values of our esteemed body.
  In Rhode Island, we have the third highest unemployment rate in the 
nation, and during the past several years our families have dealt with 
job losses, higher food prices, and turmoil in the housing market.
  I have made many visits to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and 
have seen the great work they and many other wonderful organizations in 
our state do to help our families. I have spoken with the working 
families who are not proud to accept this assistance, but have no 
better option and need to use all resources available to feed their 
children.
  That is why I am disappointed that this measure includes $2 billion 
less than the President's request for the Supplemental Nutrition 
Assistance Program, or SNAP. This measure also cuts the Emergency Food 
Assistance Program, or TEFAP, by $12 million.
  While my colleagues in the majority have touted cuts in this bill 
that are fiscally responsible, I would like to highlight what would 
happen if we cut and not maintain these programs.
  Four years ago, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank served 80,000 
SNAP beneficiaries. This month, they are serving 162,000 Rhode 
Islanders.
  Four years ago, they served 30,000 Rhode Islanders through TEFAP. Now 
they serve 60,000.
  If these funding levels are signed into law, the impact to the Rhode 
Island families most affected by the economic downturn will be 
devastating.
  I urge my colleagues to vote against this measure, and support 
legislation that reflects the needs of our constituents and communities 
who are continuing to feel the effects of the recession.

                          ____________________