Eva M. Clayton: “as somebody who is on the left, on the other side of the aisle, I want to speak about an issue I think both sides can…”

“as somebody who is on the left, on the other side of the aisle, I want to speak about an issue I think both sides can agree on. Madam Speaker, in August, many of us in Congress were delighted by the catered cuisine served at various events during our party conventions. Yet, while we dined, 31 million Americans were either hungry or living under the specter of hunger. The economy is strong, unemployment is at a 30-year low, welfare rolls have been slashed. Still, every day in America, despite welfare reform or, perhaps, as some would say, because of it, there are families who need and use food stamps to eat. Every day in America, despite welfare reform or, perhaps, again, because of it, many go hungry, more have poor health, great numbers of our children, far too many, are unable to learn because they do not have enough to eat. As we near the end of this Congress, we have a chance to change that shocking and scandalous situation. I am so proud to have joined 181 of our colleagues in the House and 38 Senators, Democrats and Republicans, in support of legislation that focuses on food and takes notice of this Nation's nutritional needs. The Hunger Relief Act, H.R. 3192 in the House and S. 1805 in the Senate will help one in 10 families in our Nation who are affected by hunger.”