G. K. Butterfield: “41 million Americans and over 1 million North Carolinians' ability to put food on the table hangs in the balance this…”

“41 million Americans and over 1 million North Carolinians' ability to put food on the table hangs in the balance this week, as House Republicans push to pass their farm bill with over $23 billion in cuts to the SNAP program. These cuts, Mr. Speaker, quite frankly, could mean food taken off of the table of hungry children--that is no exaggeration--seniors, and veterans. Despite these benefits averaging only $1.40 per person per meal, this program is a lifeline for tens of millions of Americans. It serves as an effective tool for ensuring long-term health and well-being, especially for vulnerable children. The farm bill, as it is currently written, includes detrimental changes to SNAP that would make it harder for many people to remain in the program. Over 400,000 households nationwide, and at least 133,000 individuals in North Carolina, would lose SNAP benefits if this legislation becomes law. Even more disturbing is that my Republican colleagues understand what these cuts would do but remain unfazed in their assault on these families. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 2: too bad, too long for our children. ____________________”