Political Quotes

“I am offering an amendment which addresses a crucial component of emergency relief efforts--the Emergency Food Assistance Program [TEFAP]. TEFAP emergency foods are often the first line of defense when disaster strikes. And yet the rescission title of the committee reported bill cuts the TEFAP by $30 million. Taking food away from California is a big mistake. John Healy, executive director of the California Emergency Foodlink, sent me a letter saying: We urge you to take note of the significant impact TEFAP has on feeding hungry people and providing emergency relief in every natural disaster suffered by Californians. When the earthquake hit Los Angeles, the Department of Social Services sent over 600,000 pounds of tuna, powdered milk, juice and other badly needed food supplies from TEFAP stocks. I was informed by USDA that, as of yesterday, a total of 900,000 pounds of TEFAP foods have been diverted for earthquake assistance. After Hurricane Andrew devastated Florida and Louisiana these emergency foods were provided by USDA immediately. After Hurricane Hugo hit South Carolina, TEFAP commodities were shipped in. This network of TEFAP food reserves is one of the first ways the Federal Government can respond to an emergency.”