Date: 1992-07-28
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise In support of S. 2759. the Child Nutrition Amendments of 1992. This legislation contains two provisions of Importance to the Committee on Agriculture: First. a provision to extend the pilot projects authorizing 60 school districts to receive cash payments or commodity letters of credit [CLOC] In lieu of entitlement commodities for school lunch programs. and second. a provision to extend the U.S. Department of Agriculture Advisory Council on the Distribution of Donated Commodities. Authority for Implementing demonstration programs for alternative systems for commodty distribution In schools was mandated In the fiscal year 1981 appropriations bill for agriculture. rural development. and related agendes (Public Law 96628). Extensions of the pilot projects were authorized In the Food Security Act of 1985 (Public Law 99198). the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC Amendments of 1987 (Public Law 100237). and the Child Nutrition and WIC ReauthorizatIon Act of 1989 (Public Law 101147). Although it shares jurisdiction over the cash CLOC extension provision with the Education and Labor Committee. the Committee on Agriculture did not seek sequential referral In the Interest of expeditious floor action on S. 2759. While the Committee on Agriculture respects the Interest of the Committee on Education and Labor In the cash/CLOG projects. the Committee on Agriculture believes that the commodity distribution program Is In the best interests of agricultural producers. adrdnistratorn of commodity distribution systems. and provides the best mechanism for balancing the needs of producers and recipients. Accordngly. prior to the end of the extension period provided by this legislaton--September 30. 1994. the Committee on Agriculture Intends to review thoroughly the operation and effectiveness of the cash/CLOG projects visavis the commodity distribution program. The cash/ CLOG projects were established at a time when local school districts wanted more discretlon over the form of the commodity. packaging. location of purchase. and timing of delivery of commodities. Substantial Improvements have been made as a result of the Commodity Distribution Reform Act of 1987 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. and a meJority of school districts and State agencies favor the commodity distribution program over the cash/CLO approach. I appreciate the Committee on Education and Labor agreeing to Include In this leglslation an amendment which extends through fiscal year 1996 the U.S. Department of Agriculture Advisory Council on the Distribution of Donated Commodities. Current council mermbers represent the Emergency Food Assistance Program. the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. the Nutrition Program for the Elderiy. the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. school food service directorn. State advisory councils. State distribution agencies. commercial processors. the Child Care Food Program. commercial distributors. and agricultural organizations. These membern are providing valuable Information to the Secretary of Agriculture In his administration of our various commodity distribution programs. and it Is Important that the Secretary continue to have this Input. The Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Education and Labor have exchanged letters pertaining to our legislative Jurisdiction and Interests. and I am attaching a copy of that correspondence for the record. I wish to thank Chairman FoD for his cooperation In wordng with the Committee on Agriculture In this regard.