Budget proposal would cut Food for Peace

Budget proposal would cut Food for Peace

Funding for U.S.-flag humanitarian cargoes could drop by up to 25 percent

Five unions have urged Congress to reject a Bush administration proposal that would eliminate a substantial amount of food-aid shipments from the U.S. under the PL 480 Title II Food for Peace program.

In its 2008 budget request, the administration proposed diverting up to 25 percent of the Food for Peace funding to a program that would deliver cash, rather than U.S. agricultural cargoes, to nations in need around the world.

The administration's proposal "would divert American taxpayer dollars away from purchases of agricultural products and services here at home," the presidents of the five unions said in a letter sent to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and House Agriculture Committee.

Under the Food Security Act of 1985, 75 percent of all cargoes generated under PL 480 Title II are shipped overseas by U.S.-flagged vessels, which employ American merchant mariners. The Food Security Act amended the Cargo Preference Act of 1954.

"The success of the Food for Peace program stems from the combination of the American people's compassion and generosity, the unparalleled productivity of our farmers and processors, the dedication of those who administer, transport and distribute the humanitarian assistance, and the benefits it provides at home to jobs and our economy," the union presidents said.

"PL 480 Food for Peace is critical to the many working men and women who grow the commodities, bag and store them in our nation's plants, warehouses and terminals, and transport them on our country's railroads, barges and U.S.-citizen crewed vessels," they said. "These workers and this domestic constituency--agriculture, maritime, as well as private voluntary organizations--have been invaluable allies in the efforts of Congress to sustain and increase food-aid funding year after year."

Signing the letter were American Maritime Officers National President Tom Bethel, Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union; Tim Brown, president of the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots; Ron Davis, president of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association; and John Bowers, president of the International Longshoremen's Association.

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