Tom Harkin: “Throughout my time in the United States Congress, I have worked with my colleagues to promote the economic security of…”

“Throughout my time in the United States Congress, I have worked with my colleagues to promote the economic security of low-income and working American families. In many respects, we have made significant progress, but in others, much work remains to be done. The last several years have been difficult ones for low-income Americans. Since 2000, the number of Americans living in poverty has increased by 5 million. At the same time, wages have stagnated for Americans in the bottom tenth of earners. It's no surprise that more and more Americans have turned to vital Federal food assistance such as the Food Stamp Program, which this year will serve 26 million Americans. The Food Stamp Program is our Nation's first line of defense against hunger, providing modest but vital benefits to millions of American families, and also serving our country during times of extraordinary need. Unfortunately, Congress has not taken action to modernize the program so that it addresses the current challenges that low-income Americans must face. It is time for Congress to make such needed program improvements.”