Bill Clinton: “today I discuss the Agricultural Appropriations conference report, which recently passed the Senate. Though I was not…”

“today I discuss the Agricultural Appropriations conference report, which recently passed the Senate. Though I was not pleased with all aspects of the final report, I voted in favor of this bill because I support New York farmers and consumers. I am proud to support the increases made to the Food Stamp Program, which is vital to feeding New York families and children. The Food Stamp Program plays a critical role in fighting hunger and ameliorating poverty in both our urban and rural communities. This program provides critical resources to millions of low-income families with children, seniors and individuals with disabilities. In addition, hundreds of thousands of displaced evacuees are currently in need of critical food assistance due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. As the Nation works to recover and rebuild from these devastating natural disasters, the widespread need for increased assistance demands that Federal Government food relief efforts be expanded, not cut. I also welcomed increased funding to child nutrition programs, though I was upset to see that New York State was not included in the USDA's Fruit and Vegetable Program this year. I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues on the Agriculture Committee to ensure that New York is added next year. New York children deserve to have access to fresh produce in their lunch lines and in their schools. These positive aspects of the bill won my support for the bill as a whole.…”