Orrin Hatch: “This is a small amendment, but makes a good deal of sense. It allows food stamps to be used to purchase vitamins and…”

“This is a small amendment, but makes a good deal of sense. It allows food stamps to be used to purchase vitamins and minerals, a practice which I believe is permissible under current law, but which is not allowed due to Agriculture Department policy, a ridiculous policy, I might add. It is time to change it. There is ample evidence to show the nutritional benefits of vitamins and minerals. This incontrovertible fact was recognized not once, but twice, by the U.S. Senate in 1993 when it passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, Public Law 103-417. I need not remind my colleagues that the dietary supplement bill passed without a single dissenting vote in either body, abundant proof, I believe, as to the safety and public health benefits of both vitamins and minerals. For any of my colleagues who remain unconvinced, I direct their attention to Senate Report 103-410 which provides numerous references to scientific studies supporting the nutritional benefits of dietary supplements.”