Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I stand before you today in support of H. Res. 274 ``Expressing support for designation of March as National Nutrition Month.'' I would like to begin by thanking my colleague Representative Kathy Castor for introducing this resolution in the House of Representatives, as it is important that we acknowledge and recognize the importance of good nutrition toward maintaining a healthy and productive nation. Furthermore, it is important that we continue to educate and encourage our local communities to raise their awareness of nutritional health and encourage an expanded knowledge within the community regarding the benefits of proper nutrition. By improving nutrition standards within our communities we can help support people in their efforts toward living a long, healthy and productive life. Unfortunately, obesity and poor nutrition among citizens is especially prevalent in my home city of Houston, Texas. For years Houston has been consistently rated as the ``fattest city in America.'' Currently, 58 percent of adults and 39 percent of children are classified as overweight or obese in the Greater Houston community. This resolution would also seek to help the people of my district in Houston by raising the awareness of nutritional health issues. It is estimated that since 1980, obesity rates for adults have doubled and obesity rates for children have nearly tripled due to poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles in the United States.…”