Information concerning public laws is also located at the Library of Congress.
- 1951
- One food stamp bill introduced.
- 1954
- Focus in Congress was on supplemental "food certificates" for social security recipients, but the administration was strongly opposed thinking a commodity program more economical and efficient.
- 1956
- Recession in progress. Democratic platform called for a FSP. PL 84-540 directed the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress an analysis of a food stamp program as a means of surplus food disposal.
- 1957
- Seventeen food stamp bills introduced. The Department submitted a report to Congress outlining a program similar to the 1964 Act.
- 1958
- Sixteen food stamp bills introduced. The Department continued to oppose these efforts believing the FSP to be too expensive and would not assist with surplus reduction.
- 1959
PL 86-341
(Sept. 21, 1959)
- Authorized a discretionary two-year FSP to promote purchase of surplus commodities. Eisenhower administration chose not to implement this program.