[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USDA

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                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, on May 15, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln 
signed legislation to create the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Today, 
exactly 150 years later, Lincoln would be proud of how the USDA touches 
almost every aspect of our daily lives. The USDA not only protects and 
strengthens our rich agricultural tradition, but it also supports 
nutrition programs, promotes and develops rural housing, utilities and 
businesses, food safety, animal health, natural resource conservation, 
reduces our dependence on foreign oil and much, much more. Because of 
the USDA, rural communities have affordable electricity and broadband; 
poor children are able to eat a nutritious meal every day through the 
School Lunch Programs, and we lead the world in agriculture exports.
  My district in South Texas has benefited greatly from the work of the 
USDA. From providing assistance to rural farmers, to biotechnology 
research that works to develop drought resistant crops, to developing 
and upgrading our aging water treatment systems, the USDA is a vital 
partner in keeping south Texas moving forward. That is why I am honored 
to extend my thanks and congratulations to Secretary Vilsack and the 
thousands of people at the USDA for their tireless service.

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