On the recordApril 28, 2022
In preparation for reauthorizing the farm bill in 2023, I rise today to deliver the eighth installment of my farm bill impact series, where I am highlighting various aspects of the farm bill that deserve Congress' awareness and support. The food aid programs within the farm bill not only support the nutrition of millions of Americans struggling with hunger, but they also help to stop global conflicts before they start. Kansas is the Wheat State, and wheat is the number one commodity used in U.S. donations for international food aid. If you combine all the aid destinations, they amount to a top 10 market for U.S. wheat. The last two farm bills have granted USAID flexibility in implementing aid programs, which has resulted in the U.S. purchasing from other countries more than half of the total food we give out. That is a noble thing to use our resources to help hungry people overseas, but our government should prioritize the commodities of American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers as we carry out this good work abroad. International food assistance programs work alongside legislation to help stabilize countries ravaged by famine and war, reduce terrorism, and give people an alternative from fleeing their homeland just to find food. For instance, I introduced a resolution condemning and prohibiting the use of hunger as a weapon, which some bad actors do in countries suffering from war and natural disasters.…
