[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

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                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, today is the 150th anniversary of the founding 
of the Department of Agriculture, which was established by President 
Lincoln on May 15, 1862.
  I commend the hardworking individuals at the department who work with 
all elements of the food supply chain--including our farmers, growers, 
and ranchers, to support for packers and shippers, marketers and 
processors, equipment suppliers, researchers, and retailers--to ensure 
that Americans have access to affordable, safe and abundant food.
  The USDA also assists with important conservation efforts, and 
connects the most vulnerable in our society with critical food 
resources. As we mark this anniversary, I hope we all will take this 
opportunity to recognize the continued need that exists at our local 
food pantries. I meet with food banks and pantries on a regular basis, 
and demand is at an all-time high. Families who use to donate food 
regularly are now coming to receive food.
  I appreciate the support of my colleagues for the inclusion of 
language in the FY12 agriculture spending bill that was signed into law 
to make it easier to donate excess food from the Federal school lunch 
program to local food banks by ensuring they are covered by the Good 
Samaritan Act.
  The American agriculture community should be commended for their work 
to ensure that everyone has safe food on the table.

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