Simpson Continues His Fight to Include Potatoes in WIC Program

Press Release

Idaho Congressman Simpson is the Republican lead on a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expressing disapproval of the USDA decision to continue the exclusion of potatoes in the final WIC rule. Today 67 bipartisan members of Congress signed Simpson's letter expressing disappointment with the Obama Administration's disregard for the very clear direction from Congress to include fresh, white potatoes in the WIC program. The members of Congress ask Secretary Vilsack to revisit his decision based on current nutrition science and the direction of Congress.

"I am deeply disappointed in the USDA's decision to ignore legislation that directed the agency to include fresh potatoes in the WIC Program," said Simpson. "This letter further demonstrates the congressional support for including potatoes in the WIC program, and I will continue to ask the Administration to reconsider their decision. I intend to use every means available to me, and any possible legislative vehicle that develops, to reverse this ban and restore the rightful inclusion of nutritious fresh, white potatoes in the WIC program."

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