“Americans are big-hearted people and eliminating food aid programs goes against our country’s longstanding philanthropic commitment.”
The House Agriculture Committee held a hearing on the future of international food aid and agricultural development as a continuation of the committee’s series to examine all aspects of the next farm bill. Chairman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) and members of the committee heard from stakeholders on the critical assistance that these programs provide in terms of both global food security and U.S. national security. Following the hearing, Chairman Conaway made the below remarks:
“Americans are big-hearted people and eliminating food aid programs goes against our country’s longstanding philanthropic commitment. For the past 60 years, U.S. foreign assistance has benefitted millions around the world in the form of rice, wheat, and other U.S.-grown commodities. Unlike cash-based assistance, sending commodities overseas through international food aid programs not only benefits recipients but also contributes to jobs in the U.S. agricultural, manufacturing and maritime sectors – underscoring the role these programs play in an ‘America-first’ approach to helping others. I continue to believe there is an important place for these programs, and I appreciate the input from our witnesses today.”
Written testimony provided by the witnesses from today’s hearing is linked below. Click here for more information, including Chairman Conaway’s opening statement and the archived webcast.
Witness List:
Panel I
Mr. Ron Suppes, Wheat Producer, Dighton, KS, on behalf of U.S. Wheat Associates
Ms. Margaret Schuler, Senior Vice President of the International Programs Group, World Vision – United States, Washington, DC
Ms. Navyn Salem, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Edesia Nutrition, Kingstown, RI
Mr. Brian W. Schoeneman, Political and Legislative Director, Seafarers International Union (AFL-CIO), Washington, DC, on behalf of USA Maritime
Dr. Thomas S. Jayne, University Foundation Professor, Michigan State University, Kalamazoo, MI, on behalf of the Farm Journal Foundation.