After defeating a controversial drug re-importation amendment, the House on July 11 passed, 414-16, the FY2002 agriculture spending bill (H.R. 2330). The House began consideration of the bill on June 28 but postponed further action until this week (see The Source, 6/29/01, p. 3).
During action on July 11, Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Eva Clayton (D-NC) offered an amendment that would make available “Food for Peace commodities valued at $25 million to developing nations to assist in mitigating the effects of HIV and AIDS in communities and households, particularly those caring for orphaned children.” The amendment was approved by voice vote.
Saying that “poor nutrition accelerates the progression of HIV to AIDS, and an adequate food supply is critical to any prevention and care strategy,” Rep. Pelosi added that the amendment would “ensure continued funding to reduce the burden of hunger for HIV/AIDS patients and children orphaned by AIDS in the developing world.”
Additionally, Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) offered an amendment that would increase funding for senior nutrition programs by $10 million. The amendment, which was offset by reducing funding for agriculture buildings and facilities rental payments, was approved by voice vote.
