Expressing the Commitment of the House of RepMcresentatives to Building on the Twenty Years of Success of the George Govern-Robert Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROUZER. Madam Speaker, I rise today and join my colleagues 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 5.5 billion school meals, benefiting more than 31 million school-age children and their communities.

I have seen this program in action, up close and firsthand, and it is a special sight to see.

Having traveled with then-chairman of the Committee on Agriculture Mike Conaway several years ago to some Third World countries where food is scarce and extreme poverty, like most have never seen, is the norm, it is easy to understand how imperative this program is for so many children who would likely never have a nutritious meal.

Just as important and because of how the program was crafted, the McGovern-Dole Program provides an opportunity to learn, laying the foundation for an improved life through knowledge and then achievement. For many of these children who come from very poor means, this meal provided at school is, quite frankly, the only good meal of the day.

It is also important to recognize the support of the American agricultural producers who make this program possible. America's farm families have produced more than 1.3 million metric tons of agricultural 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 so many hope and a future. 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 around the world.

Madam Speaker, I am 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 my great friend, Senator Bob Dole. I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.

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