Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have passed their respective versions of the Global Food Security Act (H.R. 1567 / S.1254). The House’s final tally was 370 yes votes to 33 no votes, and the Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent.
Globally, 795 million people suffer from chronic hunger; the majority of whom are women. Approximately 45 percent of deaths of children under the age of 5 are caused by malnutrition. The Global Food Security Act will help build upon best practices and improve our international food and nutrition programs to help alleviate this suffering.
The bill will provide Congressional authorization to Feed the Future, a U.S. government initiative charged with combating chronic hunger and food insecurity around the world. Feed the Future ensures that every dollar spent accrues value in global productivity, expands opportunities for education, reduces violence, and helps those who suffer from food scarcity. Through Feed the Future, countries are able to increase agricultural and nutritional investments. As a result, farmers are able to feed their families, communities, and can contribute to their countries’ economic growth.
We are grateful for the bipartisan support and leadership shown by members of both parties in order to ensure passage of this important legislation. BUT, it is not a done deal quite yet; the two bicameral chambers must confer and decide which version of the two bills they will send to the President for signature—at which point it will become law.