Veneman, in

her response, said that one of the desired outcomes of the farm bill (HR

2646) "is that it be as market-oriented as possible."

Collins also

questioned the secretary about how the food stamp program, administered

to prescription drugs.

"It has

been brought to my attention that an elderly person, who may have a $500,

$510, or $520 per month Social Security check coming in that's the only

income they have they may be eligible for $10-$15 per month in food stamps.

Often times, they will neglect the purchase of prescription drugs because

they need to have food. Is there anything you're looking at that could

raise that $10-$15 in the areas where people are having to make that choice,"

Collins asked.

"We are

looking at, is there a way to streamline and make that program so that

it is more helpful to seniors who may be in need of help," answered

Veneman.

Collins further

expressed concern that a family who earns too much to qualify for food

stamps often must carefully watch the budget and cannot purchase premium

food items, while often those who do qualify for food stamps are eating

much better.

"How do

you explain to a young couple or a young family that people who qualify

for federal aid can eat better than a family that is working hard to make

ends meet? That they have to buy items that in no way compare with the

items being purchased by those on food stamps," Collins added.

The hearing

was part of the budget process for the fiscal 2003 budget. In the hearing,

members of Congress are given the ability to hear more details about the

administration's budget requests and to ask questions or make statements

relevant to the budget process. The Budget Committee will draft a budget

based on the information gathered in these hearings.

Collins is

a senior member of the Budget Committee.