The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“THE FOOD STAMP BILL” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H5666 on Sept. 19, 2013.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
THE FOOD STAMP BILL
(Mr. HARRIS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, the food stamp bill today is a chance to reform the food stamp program, to decrease the waste, fraud, and abuse, and make sure people who need help get it.
This week, 10 Baltimore businesses were indicted for stealing $7 million in food stamps. That's a travesty. One store, like the one pictured right here, defrauded the American taxpayer for $2 million. In fact, the Department of Agriculture found that over 10 percent of stores participating in the program are committing food stamp fraud.
This bill reforms food stamps by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse by just 5 percent, cutting back on fraud like the ``Second Obama Express'' store, and by making sure able-bodied adults are working, seeking work, or getting job training.
Mr. Speaker, Republicans aren't trying to take food out of babies' mouths or make our seniors go hungry. Don't believe the scare tactics from my colleagues who oppose the bill. This is a commonsense reform that cuts waste, fraud, and abuse, leaving more money for the Americans who truly need help in time of need.
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