Lucille Roybal-Allard: “Americans want streamlined and efficient government, but they also expect Congress to be fair and responsible. They did…”

“Americans want streamlined and efficient government, but they also expect Congress to be fair and responsible. They did not ask us to achieve these goals at all costs, especially if it means jeopardizing the future of our defenseless children. Republicans claim their proposals to cut crucial nutrition programs are aimed at bureaucrats, but the real victims of these deadly cuts are the children of America. The pain and suffering of childhood hunger can be seen in each of our 50 States. Children who pass out on the school playground because of hunger; Children who have learned the heartbreaking skill of stretching one packet of cheese flavoring for three meals of macaroni and cheese; and Children who literally sob from the pain of stomach cramps because they have not eaten since the previous day. These scenarios are not grossly exaggerated fictional accounts concocted to illustrate my point. They are actual examples of childhood hunger in this country recently documented in the Los Angeles Times of children without the benefit of nutrition programs. These tragic scenarios will become more frequent and more severe if Republican proposals to block grant vital nutrition programs are approved. For they will limit the money that will be available to feed our children. Scientific evidence reveals that children are far more susceptible to the harmful effects of nutrient deprivation than previously known and, according to physicians, results in lifelong damage.”