    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [March 1, 1995]
    [Page 282]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Food Stamp Program Antifraud Initiative
    March 1, 1995

        I am very pleased that USDA is presenting this comprehensive
    proposal to Congress today.
        With this package, we are saying to the Congress that we expect the
    Food Stamp Program to continue to get food to people who need it but
    that we will not tolerate criminals who defraud the system and seek to
    profit from the hunger of others.
        Over the past 2 years, this administration has made restoring public
    trust in Government a top priority. As part of our comprehensive
    strategy to reinvent the Food Stamp Program, we are today asking
    Congress for broad new powers, comprised of 13 specific items, to
    counterattack those who have exploited the program.
        This administration has made clear our opposition to block grants
    for our nutrition programs. With this tough, workable antifraud
    initiative, we are ensuring that the Food Stamp Program will earn the
    public trust, and continue to help people who need it.