Political Quotes

“I am pleased that the Senate supported overwhelmingly the passage of H.R. 2428, the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. This is a tremendous tribute to my good friend and colleague from Missouri, Congressman Bill Emerson, who represented southeast Missouri's Eighth Congressional District for 16 years. Bill Emerson was well known in this body, and certainly to many around this city, and was loved by the people of southeast Missouri. He had a long and distinguished career of service in the U.S. Congress. Bill was especially well known for his work in agriculture and in the fight against hunger, including being an ardent supporter of food distribution programs. One of his legislative priorities this session was a bill that would make it easier for millions of tons of unused food by restaurants, supermarkets, and other private businesses to end up in food pantries and shelters rather than in garbage cans and dumpsters. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act is identical to legislation championed by Bill Emerson before his death. In the past, private donors have been reluctant to make contributions to nonprofit organizations because they are concerned about potential civil and criminal liability. With this legislation, private donors will be protected from such liability, except in cases of gross negligence and intentional misconduct. Those in need will truly benefit from this legislation.”