June 20, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E947 H.R. 1595, THE STUDENT LOAN I ask Members to vote in favor of this HONORING LOES HEDGE RELIEF ACT OF 2013 amendment. HON. SAM GRAVES HON. GENE GREEN f OF MISSOURI OF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FEDERAL AGRICULTURE REFORM AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACT OF Thursday, June 20, 2013 Thursday, June 20, 2013 2013 Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, proudly pause to recognize Loes Hedge of I rise today in support of extending the 3.4 in- Saint Joseph, Missouri. Loes is active in the SPEECH OF terest rate on Stafford Student loans to protect community and has been chosen to receive students from seeing their interest rates dou- HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR. the YWCA Women of Excellence Woman in ble on July 1, 2013. As the cost of higher edu- Volunteerism Award. cation continues to climb and total student OF NEW JERSEY Loes Hedge is a retired educator that con- loan debt eclipsed credit card debt for the first tinues to have a positive influence in the Saint time, the consequences of inaction are unac- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Joseph community to this day. Loes has ceptable. We need to be making college more Tuesday, June 18, 2013 served as the President of Saint Joseph’s affordable for all students, not putting it further NAACP and continues her work with them out of reach. The House in Committee of the Whole As an advanced degree becomes more and House on the state of the Union had under today as it’s current secretary. Recently she more of a requirement for well paying jobs, it consideration the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide was awarded the YWCA’s Racial Justice is vital that low interest loans be available so for the reform and continuation of agricul- Award in recognition of her many efforts to that students can access an affordable college tural and other programs of the Department bridge diversity, empower at risk students and education. Approximately 60 percent of stu- of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and to strengthen education universally. Loes has for other purposes: dents take out loans to attend college and in- also been honored as an inductee to the Black creasing the cost of borrowing will prevent mil- Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Chair, I rise today Archives Museum Hall of Fame. lions from being able to obtain a degree. in opposition to this Farm Bill, H.R. 1947, the Loes also continues in her role as mentor H.R. 1595, the Student Loan Relief Act of Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Manage- for young educators and serves as a Co-Chair 2013, is a clean extension that would freeze ment Act of 2013, due to the unconscionable for the Saint Joseph School District Long- the 3.4 interest rate on Stafford loans for two cuts to the SNAP program, formerly known as Range Planning Committee. She has served years. I urge my colleagues to pass this legis- food stamps. on the YWCA Board of Directors, has been in- lation to prevent a crippling hike in rates and volved in voter registration efforts throughout Across the country, over 47 million of our give Congress time to find a true long-term so- Saint Joseph. lution to student loans and college affordability fellow Americans depend on the Supplemental Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in that is worthy of our nation’s young people. Nutrition Assistance Program to put food on recognizing Loes Hedge. She has made an A strong middle-class, well educated work- their tables each and every day. In my home amazing impact on countless individuals in the force and the opportunity for upward mobility state of New Jersey alone, SNAP serves over St. Joseph community. I am honored to rep- are the building blocks of a thriving economy. 800,000 individuals. These are our friends, resent her in the Congress. To maintain and strengthen each, every stu- family, and neighbors. An average monthly f dent must have the opportunity to pursue benefit of $133.36 per person for recipients in higher education, not just the privileged few. New Jersey amounts to $1.48 per meal. This IN RECOGNITION OF LINDA BEST College educated students are the future does not go very far towards buying nutritious UPON HER RETIREMENT engine of our country, and anyone who wants food in a state where the cost of living is high. to pursue a post-secondary education should That’s why 90 percent of benefits are re- HON. GEORGE MILLER have the opportunity to do so without going deemed by the third week of the month. OF CALIFORNIA into crushing debt. I urge my colleagues to Eighty-three percent of SNAP benefits go to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES stop rates from doubling and extend the cur- households with children, seniors, or disabled Thursday, June 20, 2013 rent interest rate of 3.4 percent. Americans. These are not freeloaders or peo- f ple trying to game the system; they are our Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues Congress- EN BLOC PACKAGE: AMENDMENT most vulnerable citizens. When the going gets tough, we have a responsibility to ensure that man MIKE THOMPSON, Congressman JERRY 60—MILITARY FAMILY HOME MCNERNEY, Congressman JOHN GARAMENDI PROTECTION HR. 1960, NATIONAL a safety net is in place for them. When our people go hungry, we pay the consequences and Congressman ERIC SWALWELL to recog- DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT nize the outstanding career of Ms. Linda Best, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 down the road. Poor nutrition and hunger leads to costly but entirely avoidable health a dynamic leader in the community, and con- problems. Furthermore, as a former teacher, I gratulate her as she retires after more than HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS know that students who go hungry have trou- thirty-two years in service to the people of OF MARYLAND ble focusing in school. We need to ensure that Contra Costa County. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES all children have an equal opportunity to excel In 1981, after earning a Bachelor of Arts Thursday, June 20, 2013 to keep us competitive in today’s global econ- and a Master of Arts degree from Stanford Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I want to omy. University, Linda began her successful career as the Executive Director of the Coalition of thank the bill’s managers for including in this This bill, however, would take us down the en bloc amendment a provision I submitted to Labor and Business. Three years later she be- wrong path. It further tightens eligibility re- came Executive Director for the Contra Costa amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. quirements for SNAP, cutting $20.5 billion by Under current law, certain disabled vet- Council, an organization she would help shape kicking about two million people off the pro- and expand throughout her tenure. From 2004 erans, servicemembers and their families are gram. This bill will also kick 210,000 kids off not receiving the critical protection they need. on, Linda has served as President and CEO of school meals, and reduce benefits by an of the Council and continued her strong com- As a result, banks are foreclosing on their average of $90 for 850,000 additional house- homes at the very moment when our heroes mitment to the organization and the commu- holds. If we want to reduce the costs of this nities which it serves. most deserve our support. program, don’t cruelly throw people off the Our amendment extends foreclosure protec- In her nine years as President, Linda has roles. Let’s create some jobs and as our eco- tions to all servicemembers receiving hostile been the heartbeat of the organization and nomic recovery gains steam, SNAP costs will fire or imminent danger pay, to the surviving shown a remarkable command of the issues spouses of servicemembers killed in the line decline as more and more Americans find most critical to business, education, the envi- of duty, and to veterans who become disabled steady work. ronment, transportation, and workforce devel- due to service-connected injuries. We are the greatest nation on earth. Our opment. Under her leadership, the Council has Last Congress, I introduced a similar Farm Bills are designed to ensure that we can been an engine for economic development, amendment that passed the house with over- produce food to feed the world. Shouldn’t we public policy formation, and an informed deci- whelming bipartisan support. first ensure that we can provide for our own? sion-making voice for the region. Linda has

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:51 Jun 21, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A20JN8.057 E20JNPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E948 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 20, 2013 been instrumental in building the Workforce people of Machias in Congress, and I am the link between what we each and health. Development Initiative, which brings together pleased to have this opportunity to help the This would also be a means of expanding the business and education in support of high town celebrate its 250th anniversary. diet options for persons who live in areas school academics. What was once an organi- Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratu- where the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables zation only affiliated with business has now lating the people of Machias and wishing them can be prohibitive. grown to include labor, education, health care, well on this joyous occasion. Jackson Lee #183 is a sense of the Con- and nonprofit interests. In fact, the Contra f gress regarding funding for nutrition program Costa Council’s scope has become so wide- for disabled and older Americans. Accessible spread, that it recently changed its official FEDERAL AGRICULTURE REFORM and affordable nutrition is especially important name to the East Bay Leadership Council. AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACT OF when dietary needs change or must accom- Linda’s spirit and energy is not only appar- 2013 modate life’s changes. Older Americans and ent in her work with the Council, but also en- persons with disabilities often must live with compasses her work with the many Boards on SPEECH OF restricted diets. which she has served. Included in this long list HON. Jackson Lee Amendment #184 was a sense are; the Board of Directors for John Muir OF TEXAS of the Congress that encourages food items Health, the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES being provided pursuant to the Federal school DVC Foundation, Opportunity Junction, the breakfast and school lunch program should be West Contra Costa Business Development Tuesday, June 18, 2013 selected so as to reduce the incidence of juve- Center, STAND for Families Free of Violence, The House in Committee of the Whole nile obesity and to maximize nutritional value. and the United Way Leadership Council. House on the state of the Union had under This amendment passed the House by a Throughout Linda’s tenure, she earned consideration the bill (H.R. 1947) to provide substantial margin in the 110th Congress by a many awards and distinctions, including the for the reform and continuation of agricul- recorded vote of 422 to 3. The inclusion of this San Ramon Valley Chamber of Commerce tural and other programs of the Department amendment in the Rule for 1947 would affirm of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018, and Congressional commitment to fight juvenile ‘‘Woman of the Year Award,’’ the Eugene for other purposes: O’Neill Foundation Open Gate Award, the obesity and to maximize nutritional value. The Contra Costa Child Care Council Kiddie Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Chair, I rise to amendment should have been made in order Award, and the Contra Costa Times Woman speak in support of Jackson Lee Amendment considering the epidemic of juvenile and adult of Achievement Award for Business and Tech- #94, which will be in the en bloc for H.R. obesity. nology. 1947, the ‘‘Federal Agriculture Reform and Finally, I sought support by the Rules Com- We invite our colleagues to join us in com- Risk Management Act of 2013.’’ My thanks to mittee of an Amendment offered by mending President & Chief Executive Officer Agriculture Committee Chair Frank D. Lucas Congresspersons Kildee, Fudge, Peters, Tim Linda Best for her committed and diligent and Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson for Ryan and Jackson Lee Amendment #53. service to the citizens of Contra Costa County. including the Jackson Lee Amendment in the This amendment was not included in the We are pleased to congratulate Linda on an en block. final Rule for the bill. This amendment would outstanding career and wish her the very best I appreciate the work of Rules Committee have brought healthy food to those with limited as she begins a well-deserved retirement. Chair and Rules Committee members Con- access to fresh fruits and vegetables through gressman McGovern for managing the debate f a public-private partnership. It would increase on amendments to H.R. 1947. funding for SNAP incentive programs for fresh HONORING THE TOWN OF I offered amendments to H.R. 1947 for de- fruits and vegetables by $5 million per year, MACHIAS, MAINE liberation by the Rules Committee for approval which is offset by decreasing the adjusted for consideration by the Full House. Only one gross income limit for certain Title and Title II HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD of my Amendments was made in order and programs. OF MAINE will be included in the en bloc for the bill. Food is not an option—it is a right that all Jackson Lee #94 will be included in the en IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES people living in this nation must have to exist block and is a sense of Congress that the and to prosper. The $20.5 billion cuts in the Thursday, June 20, 2013 Federal Government should increase business Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to opportunities for small businesses, black farm- also known as SNAP would remove 2 million honor the town of Machias, Maine as it cele- ers, women and minority businesses. Americans from this important food assistance brates its 250th anniversary. Small farm businesses, black farmers, program, and 210,000 children would lose ac- Located in the heart of Washington County women and minority agriculture related busi- cess to free or reduced priced school meals. and known as the ‘‘Blueberry Capital of the nesses could benefit from partnerships with The course of our nation’s history led to World,’’ Machias is one of our state’s most federal office location in receiving support for changes in our economy first from agricultural, historic and picturesque communities. It farmers markets. This would assist with elimi- to industrial and now technological. These serves as the county seat and is a regional nating food deserts, which are urban neighbor- economic changes impacted the availability center for Downeast Maine, with agricultural, hoods and rural towns without easy access to and affordability of food. Today our nation is commercial, and educational resources that fresh, healthy and affordable food. These still one of the wealthiest in the world, but we are utilized and embraced by thousands of communities may have no food access or are now have food deserts. A food desert is a nearby Mainers. served only by fast food restaurants and con- place where access to food may not be avail- The town was settled in 1763 and is home venience stores. able and certainly access to health sustaining to the Burnham Tavern, a National Historic Other Amendments, I request that the Rules food is not available. Site carefully maintained by members of the Committee favorably consider included The US Department of Agriculture defines a Hannah Weston Chapter of the Daughters of Amendment #1, the McGovern Amendment, food desert as a ‘‘low-access community,’’ the American Revolution. In 1775, Machias which was joined by over 80 members of the where at least 500 people and/or at least 33 was the site of the first naval battle of the House. This important amendment would have percent of the census tract’s population live American Revolution. Author James Fenimore restored $20.5 billion in cuts in SNAP funding more than one mile from a supermarket or Cooper described the infamous battle and the by offsetting the Farm Risk Management Elec- large grocery store. The USDA defines a food capture of the English schooner HMS tion Program and the Supplemental Coverage desert for rural communities as a census tract Margaretta in his History Of The Navy Of The Option. where the distance to a grocery store is more United States Of America, as ‘‘the Lexington Jackson Lee Amendments not included in than 10 miles. of the seas, for like that celebrated land con- the Rule for the bill include: Food deserts exist in rural and urban areas flict, it was a rising of the people against a Jackson Lee Amendment #182 was a sense and are spreading as a result fewer farms as regular force, was characterized by a long of Congress that the Federal Government well as fewer places to access fresh fruits, chase, a bloody struggle, and a triumph.’’ should increase financial support provided to vegetables, proteins, and other foods as well The residents of Machias embody the val- urban community gardens and victory gardens as a poor economy. ues of the hardworking people of Maine, and to heighten awareness of nutrition. The result of food deserts are increases in they may take great pride in the rich heritage The knowledge shared with urban dwellers malnutrition and other health disparities that they have created over the past 250 years. It can have a long term benefit to the health of impact minority and low income communities is an honor and a privilege to represent the our nation by increasing awareness regarding in rural and urban areas. Health disparities

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:51 Jun 21, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A20JN8.061 E20JNPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS