Political Quotes

“I appreciate the efforts of the chairman and the ranking member in putting together this bill. While many of the funding decisions are appropriate, I do oppose this bill because I have deep objections to controversial riders. First, this bill would begin to back away from much-needed efforts to make school meals healthier. According to the CDC, as of 2012, more than one-third of children and adolescents were obese. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults, and thus are at a much greater risk of developing heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and forms of cancer. Schools should support and teach healthy eating habits. Instead of providing waivers, this bill should help the districts meet this higher standard by providing the technical assistance and training to become compliant. Additionally, bill language would make white potatoes eligible for purchase by WIC participants, which is inconsistent with the purpose of the WIC program to include only foods based on documented nutritional deficiencies. White potatoes are excluded today based on the best available science, and science, not special interests, should continue to be the guide for WIC's policies. The majority should have fully embraced the work and purpose of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and fully funded the administration's request.…”