Marcia Fudge

I appreciate the fact that you are working very hard to make sure that the taxpayers' money is spent appropriately.

We create a narrative that is stereotypical, that is unfair and inaccurate.

I believe that those who break the law should be punished.

I must say I am disheartened with the title of this hearing, 'Addressing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Federal Child Nutrition Programs.'

Every federal dollar should be spent appropriately, and we should be concerned about correcting any and all errors.

As we listen to the witnesses this morning, let's not forget the big picture...there are hungry children in America.

I certainly do hope that we will be doing that, Mr. Chairman.

Certainly I hope that the Committee on Natural Resources, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Interior, will take up this issue.

Congress, as the trustees of these young Native American kids, needs to bring an awareness to this funding disparity.

But I would argue that some of it is just that the Congress doesn't give the funding to the Department of Interior it should.

The need is too urgent for us to do nothing.

The poor condition of school buildings affects the health and safety of students.

It is clear the Federal Government has failed to meet its obligation to deliver quality education services.

American Indian students need and deserve better.

We all understand that we can do better, that we can find better ways to feed hungry children.

May I inquire as to how much time I have remaining? The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Ohio has 2\1/2\ minutes remaining.

I, like everyone else, would like to stamp out hunger in this country and I am dismayed every minute of every day that we aren't there.

Having these huge gaps doesn't make any sense.

We can't do meals for kids at that center and we can't use senior center funding for meals for seniors because the Federal Government doesn't allow you to leverage.

It is demoralizing, it is inappropriate, and it is something that we can work together to absolutely eradicate.

And again, I thank all of you for being here. Very insightful. Very educational. We have learned a great deal today.

My priority is children.

Congress must ensure student data, is being used only for defined educational purposes, and cannot be sold or used for private companies' financial gain.

Congress must ensure student data is being used only for defined educational purposes and cannot be sold or used for private companies' financial gain.

I look forward to hearing from you and from my colleagues on this important issue.