116th Congress H. Bill 2712
More work on the "Buy American Agriculture Act" for emergency needs
Mark Smith
NOT RECOMMENDING Proposed H.R. 2712 With the outset of the coronavirus pandemic rapidly expanding after the beginning of this calendar year, H.R. 2712 becomes more critical this summer because much of the food purchased under the USDA-administered Food Purchase and Distribution Program is provided to states to distribute to their key local emergency food organizations (i.e., community action agencies, food banks, food pantries) that participate in the USDAs Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). TEFAPs stated objective is to supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including the elderly, for emergencies at no cost, but with a FY 2020 budget approved for TEFAP prior to the corona pandemic crisis beginning in February. The proposed H.R. 2712 last year stresses purchases of food products be purchased for domestically-owned enterprises, which would be the rationale for it being referred to as the Buy American Agriculture Act. This key part makes sense since in emergencies, since these food products include key fruits and vegetables, grains, dairy, nuts, meats and seafoods needed to be moved more quickly from local U.S. suppliers to U.S. recipients. However, given the increased need for the lower-income Americans under this crisis, additional funding needs will be needed for these key emergency food products under these USDA programs. Therefore, additional funding resources should be included under this proposed Bill, so the Bill can be supported expeditiously by Congress this summer.
