[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th 
anniversary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
  Last year, agricultural producers had record net farm income and 
trade surplus. One in twelve jobs is linked to agriculture and forestry 
and American consumers spend less than 10 percent of their disposable 
income on food. USDA programs affect each of us--from nutrition 
programs to food safety, conservation to plant and animal health, and 
rural development to research and extension.
  The department manages anti-hunger and nutrition programs that help 
ensure millions of Americans have enough food. Food banks across the 
country count on the Emergency Feeding Assistance Program to keep their 
pantries stocked. USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is 
helping more than 46 million Americans. More than 30 million American 
school children rely on the National School Lunch Program for a 
nutritious lunch. But there is clearly more to do.
  With almost 13 million unemployed in this economy, and one in six 
Americans living below the official poverty line, we know that millions 
of middle-class and working families are hurting. Across the country, 
nearly fifteen percent of American households were food insecure in 
2010. In other words, nearly 50 million Americans, including over 16 
million children, struggled with hunger. In my district in Connecticut, 
nearly one in seven households were not sure if they could afford 
enough food to feed their families. Earlier this month, the Meals on 
Wheels Association released its first report card on senior hunger: 
with 1 in 7 seniors facing the threat of hunger, the country received 
an F.
  At a time such as this, our key federal food security policies become 
all the more vital. They make a difference for the health and well 
being of millions of families. In the words of Harry Truman, ``Nothing 
is more important in our national life than the welfare of our 
children, and proper nourishment comes first in attaining this 
welfare.''
  As we look to the future, it is important that the United States 
maintains its leadership in agriculture. And we must also strive to 
ensure that everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.

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