Senior Nutrition Act of 2006

Mr. President, I am pleased to be joined by my colleague, Senator Kyl, in introducing a bill to designate Fossil Creek as a ``wild and scenic river.'' A companion measure is being introduced today by Congressman Renzi and other members of the Arizona congressional delegation.

Fossil Creek it is a thing of beauty. With its picturesque scenery, lush riparian ecosystem, unique geological features, and deep iridescent blue pools and waterfalls, this tributary to the Wild and Scenic Verde River and Lower Colorado River Watershed stretches 14 miles through east central Arizona. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, some of which are threatened or endangered species. Over 100 bird species inhabit the Fossil Creek area and use it to migrate between the range lowlands and the Mogollon-Colorado Plateau highlands. Fossil Creek also supports a variety of aquatic species and is one of the few perennial streams in Arizona with multiple native fish.

Fossil Creek was named in the 1800s when early explorers described the fossil-like appearance of creek-side rocks and vegetation coated with calcium carbonate deposits from the creek's water. In the early 1900s, pioneers recognized the potential for hydroelectric power generation in the creek's constant and abundant spring-fed base-flow. They claimed the channel's water rights and built a dam system and generating facilities known as the Childs-Irving hydro-project. Over time, the project was acquired by Arizona Public Service, APS, one of the State's largest eclectic utility providers serving more than a million Arizonans. Because Childs-Irving produced less then half of 1 percent of the total power generated by APS, the decision was made ultimately to decommission the aging dam and restore Fossil Creek to its presettlement conditions.

APS has partnered with various environmental groups, Federal land managers, and State, tribal, and local governments to safely remove the Childs-Irving power generating facilities and restore the riparian ecosystem. In 2005, APS removed the dam system and returned full flows to Fossil Creek. Researchers predict Fossil Creek will soon become a fully regenerated Southwest native fishery providing a most valuable opportunity to reintroduce at least six threatened and endangered native fish species as well as rebuild the native populations presently living in the creek.

There is a growing need to provide additional protection and adequate staffing and management at Fossil Creek. Recreational visitation to the riverbed is expected to increase dramatically, and by the Forest Service's own admission, they aren't able to manage current levels of visitation or the pressures of increased use. While responsible recreation and other activities at Fossil Creek are to be encouraged, we must also ensure the long-term success of the ongoing restoration efforts. Designation under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act would help to ensure the appropriate level of protection and resources are devoted to Fossil Creek. Already, Fossil Creek has been found eligible for ``wild and scenic'' designation by the Forest Service and the proposal has widespread support from surrounding communities. All of the lands potentially affected by a designation are owned and managed by the Forest Service and will not affect private property owners.

Mr. President, Fossil Creek is a unique Arizona treasure and would benefit greatly from the protection and recognition offered through ``wild and scenic'' designation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Senior Nutrition Act, which will make needed improvements to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to prevent our seniors from having to make the difficult choice between food and medicine as they try to balance their budgets.

I am pleased to have the support of my friend, Senator Domenici of New Mexico, who has been one of the Senate's strongest supporters of CSFP. Also I am pleased to have the support of Senators Johnson and Durbin.

Nationally, 32 States and the District of Columbia participate in CSFP, which works to improve the health of both women with children and seniors by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA commodity foods. According to USDA, more than half a million people each month participated in CSFP during fiscal year 2005, with the overwhelming majority being seniors.

My State of Michigan has one of the largest and oldest CSFP network in the Nation. Last year, over 80,000 people in Michigan benefited from this important program.

The bill I am introducing today will make the following important changes to CSFP.

First, categorical eligibility is granted for seniors for CSFP if the individual participates or is eligible to participate in the Food Stamp Program. No further verification of income would be necessary in such cases. The Food Stamp Program provides a medical expense deduction, which seniors may use to account for their high prescription drug costs.

Second, this bill says that the same income standard that is currently used to determine eligibility for women, infants, and children in CSFP--185 percent of the poverty income guidelines--would be applied to seniors as well. The current income eligibility standard for seniors has been capped at just 130 percent. Under the current Federal poverty guidelines, a single senior cannot earn more than $12,740 per year to qualify. By raising the standard to 185 percent of poverty, the same senior can earn as much as $18,130 to qualify for food. This will make a major difference in the lives of so many seniors who are struggling with the high cost of prescription drugs.

This bill has been endorsed by the National CSFP Association as well as several national and Michigan senior advocacy and faith-based groups. I ask unanimous consent that a copy of these support letters be printed in the Record following my remarks.