WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement today in response to President Bush’s proposal on the global food crisis:
“I’m pleased that President Bush has listened to the calls of Congress and recognized the grave need around the world. However, I was very disappointed to hear that the President is only requesting those funds in the FY2009 supplemental. That means that these new funds wouldn’t be available until October at the earliest.
“This is unacceptable at a time when people are going hungry and riots are breaking out around the globe. We need action now, not six months from now. This is why nearly two months ago I called for an additional $200 million in the Emergency Supplemental for emergency food assistance to help cover the shortfall projected by the U.S. Agency for International Development. I will continue to push for this additional funding.
“In addition, we also need to look at long-term solutions which would include helping developing nations increase their agricultural production, in part by improving their crop yields, and improving overseas food distribution networks and storage facilities so that more of the food that is donated will feed the hungry instead of spoiling in warehouses.”
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“I’m pleased that President Bush has listened to the calls of Congress and recognized the grave need around the world. However, I was very disappointed to hear that the President is only requesting those funds in the FY2009 supplemental. That means that these new funds wouldn’t be available until October at the earliest.
“This is unacceptable at a time when people are going hungry and riots are breaking out around the globe. We need action now, not six months from now. This is why nearly two months ago I called for an additional $200 million in the Emergency Supplemental for emergency food assistance to help cover the shortfall projected by the U.S. Agency for International Development. I will continue to push for this additional funding.
“In addition, we also need to look at long-term solutions which would include helping developing nations increase their agricultural production, in part by improving their crop yields, and improving overseas food distribution networks and storage facilities so that more of the food that is donated will feed the hungry instead of spoiling in warehouses.”
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