Lucille Roybal-Allard: “In this, the richest country in the world, it is unconscionable that the farm bill we are debating today cuts nearly $21…”

“In this, the richest country in the world, it is unconscionable that the farm bill we are debating today cuts nearly $21 billion from SNAP, our Nation's most important anti- hunger program. Today, one in seven Americans depends on the SNAP program to put food on the table. The draconian cuts in this bill will remove many from this program and increase hunger from millions of Americans already struggling to survive. Hardest hit will be children, who in addition to suffering the agony of hunger will be at risk of having a disability because studies have shown that the SNAP program is a critical buffer for preventing developmental challenges. Our vulnerable senior population, for which SNAP is a vital safety net, also will be put at risk because it can make the difference between having food or going hungry. Mr. Speaker, there are better alternatives to reducing our deficit. While it is true that the FARRM Bill is an important bill that regulates and protects our food industry, it is also true that it is tragic that in the United States of America this bill, as introduced, will increase the pain and suffering of hunger which already shamefully exists in our country. ____________________”