The 20th Anniversary of the McGovern-Dole International Food Aid Program

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1156-- Expressing the commitment of the House of Representatives to building on 20 years of success of the George McGovern-Robert Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.

During the past two decades, McGovern-Dole has provided more than 5 and a half billion school meals benefitting over 31 million school-age children and their communities.

I have seen this program in action--and it is a special sight to see. When I joined the then Chairman of the Agriculture Committee Mike Conaway several years ago overseas in third world countries where food is scarce and extreme poverty like you cannot believe is plentiful, it is obvious to see how imperative a nutritious meal is to a child's survival. Just as important, the McGovern-Dole program also provides an opportunity to learn, laying the foundation for an improved life and achievement. For many of these children from very poor means, the meal provided through this program at school is their only good meal of the day.

It is also important to recognize the support of American agricultural producers who make this program possible. America's farm families have produced more than 1.3 million metric tons of U.S. commodities for donation, doing their part in reducing hunger and improving primary education in countries around the globe.

Congress must continue to lead by example in tackling hunger and poverty around the world for years to come. These efforts not only help feed those who cannot help themselves, but it builds good-will and provides hope for the future for so many searching for it. Many laws have been passed by this chamber, but none have been more impactful to the lives of so many children who desperately need the help.

Madam Speaker, I'm proud to support this resolution expressing Congress' commitment to carrying on the success of this program along with the great legacies of Ambassador McGovern and Senator Bob Dole.

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