Lowey Statement on USDA 2015 Budget Request

I would like to thank Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member Farr and welcome Secretary Vilsack.

Mr. Secretary, your Department plays an important role in nutrition assistance for vulnerable populations, conservation efforts, rural community development, and research to combat climate change and improve crop yields.  The range and scope of USDA’s responsibilities is truly amazing.

I was particularly pleased that your budget request fully funds the expected participation for the WIC program along with additional funds to successfully implement the new WIC rule. As you know, the new rule notably provides more money for the purchase of fruits and vegetables for children and makes other important improvements. With approximately 515,000 nutritionally at risk women, infants, and children served per month in New York, this program is vital to the health of young mothers and their children, and I applaud the Department for issuing this new rule.

Additionally, while I oppose the $66 million cut to the Food for Peace program, I agree with the proposal to grant the administration the authority to use up to 25% of Title II resources available in cash for emergencies to better respond to multiple, high-level crises around the world. This change will allow USAID, who administers the program, to reach an estimated 2 million more people in chronically food insecure communities like Syria, the Central African Republic and South Sudan with the same resources. 

I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to continue to review the President’s budget request to ensure that we adequately fund initiatives to combat hunger, ensure the safety of our food supply, and support sustainable agriculture practices.