Crucial U.S. food-aid programs under legislative threat in Congress
On August 16, American mariners, farmers, port workers and millers, as well as state and federal leaders, stood together in Washington State to emphasize the vital national security, economic and humanitarian roles served by U.S. food-aid programs as 28,000 metric tons of American-grown wheat was loaded onto the Liberty Glory in the Port of Longview for shipment overseas.
AMO members working aboard the Liberty Glory in August included Third Mate Wyatt Thompson, Second Mate Jake Randeau, Chief Mate Alex Showell, Captain Patrick Showell, Chief Engineer Nick Chase, First Assistant Engineer Kyle DeNave and Second A.E. Lino Remorin.
American-grown food has been the cornerstone of America’s foreign aid policy since Food for Peace was launched in the 1950s with crops like corn, sorghum, rice and wheat. The shipment represents an “unbroken chain of humanity” that stretches from America’s fertile fields to families facing an unprecedented crisis. Over the last three years, the United States has shipped more than 1,000,000 tons of American-grown wheat per year through Food for Peace. Much of that wheat has gone to support hunger hotspots in the Middle East and East Africa, where food insecurity still persists.
Annual appropriations for U.S. food-aid programs have been strong in recent years, and under U.S. cargo preference requirements, at least 50 percent of U.S. government impelled food-aid shipments must be carried by U.S.-flagged vessels. While providing vital food aid to nations in need around the world, these cargoes help keep U.S.-flagged commercial vessels in service and U.S. merchant mariners, who are needed to man surge and reserve military sealift vessels in times of war and crisis, employed and current on their skills and certifications. This vital military sealift workforce cannot be sustained without an active U.S.-flag employment base, and U.S. food-aid shipments are a key element in doing so.
“Food for Peace is one of the most successful humanitarian programs because of the enduring commitment of America’s farmers, millers, port workers, longshoremen and merchant mariners to feeding the world,” said Vice President of Operations, Liberty Maritime Corporation, William Campbell. “However, there are some out there who want to eliminate the contribution of America’s farmers and mariners to Food for Peace or end the program entirely. World hunger is at its peak as conflict persists and the traditional breadbasket of Ukraine is disrupted.”
In response to recent legislative amendments introduced by three members of the House of Representatives that would eliminate or significantly cut funding for the Food for Peace Title II and the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education programs, more than 130 organizations and companies – including American Maritime Officers and American Maritime Officers Service – sent letters to Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and key House committees and subcommittees with jurisdiction over agricultural authorizations and appropriations, emphasizing the multi-faceted significance of maintaining U.S. food-aid programs.
“Each year our nation’s international food aid programs, including P.L. 480 Title II Food for Peace, Food for Progress and McGovern-Dole International Food for Education help reach millions of vulnerable people around the world. These programs have enjoyed significant bipartisan support for more than 65 years. We, the undersigned organizations, urge you to support these programs in fiscal year 2024 agriculture appropriations and reject several amendments to this year’s spending bill that would eliminate or significantly reduce funding for the Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole programs,” the letters, in part, read. “Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole not only benefit their recipients, but also U.S. economic and national security interests.”
In statements issued surrounding the event at the Port of Longview, U.S. representatives expressed their bipartisan support for American food-aid programs:
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) – “Eastern Washington’s agricultural community has a rich history of feeding the world, especially those in need. Thanks to the Columbia-Snake River system, our wheat farmers are able to send their products to hungry nations around the world, preserving their hard-earned legacy and ensuring America continues to shine as a beacon of hope. Thank you to our farmers, industry stakeholders, and maritime partners who helped make this tremendous humanitarian effort possible.”
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) – “I commend partners throughout Washington State for their continued commitment to USAID’s Food for Peace Program. Food for Peace plays an integral role in alleviating hunger throughout the world while also strengthening the United States’ diplomatic efforts. Thank you to the many partners, including Washington State agricultural producers and union workers, who make these efforts possible.”
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) – “The United States must continue to provide robust international aid to meet the scale of need in the fight against hunger. I am inspired by the partnership of the maritime labor, carriers, and agriculture sectors in Washington and across the country to make this momentous contribution to global food security.”
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) – “Washington State has long been a leader in agricultural production and has put us in a position to create positive change. With eight billion dollars in agricultural exports last year and partnerships between public, private, trade groups, and labor, our state is well positioned to extend beyond our geographic boundaries and touch the lives of individuals and families facing hunger emergencies.”
American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers working aboard the Liberty Glory, and in addition to the AMO officers working onboard the ship, the event on August 16 was attended by AMO West Coast Representative Roy Silliker.
