Food Security for All Veterans Act

Floor Speech

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Mrs. PELTOLA. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for providing consideration of my legislation today. I particularly want to share my appreciation with committee Chair Takano and Ranking Member Bost on the Veterans' Affairs Committee for moving quickly on this important issue for the 18 million veterans in our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on a topic of vital importance to my State where veterans comprise about 10 percent of the population, and I know many veterans who face food insecurity.

This is my first bill as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, which is appropriate. There is nothing more important than ensuring our veterans and their families can enjoy a safe and healthy life after their service for our country.

This bill would create an Office of Food Security within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The office would be charged with providing information to veterans on the availability and eligibility requirements for Federal nutrition assistance programs. The office would work with other government agencies to implement policies to help veterans at risk or experiencing food insecurity.

A report just 4 months ago from the Center for Strategic and International Studies was clear, ``Food insecurity among U.S. veterans and military families is a national security concern: it multiplies stress on Active Duty personnel, diminishes well-being among servicemembers and their children--who are more likely to serve in the military as adults--and may hinder recruitment for the armed services.''

Madam Speaker, I know this bill will not solve the problem entirely, but I believe it can help in Alaska and throughout the country. I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 8888.

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