Sue Myrick: “funding for the nutrition programs under the GOP plan is greater in each of the next 5 years than under the current…”

“funding for the nutrition programs under the GOP plan is greater in each of the next 5 years than under the current system, a 4.5 percent increase each year or $19 billion 795 million, which is $588 million more than would be provided under the current system. Mr. Speaker, our needy children will not be left behind. All program dollars in family nutrition block grants are required to go to individuals below 185 percent of the poverty level. With increased funding, less bureaucracy and less paperwork, Mr. Speaker, States can provide more services to more people. Eighty percent of the family block grant must be used to provide food assistance to pregnant, postpartum and breast-feeding women, and infants and children who are found to be a nutritional risk. This program helps children because it meets the needs of low-income children, pregnant mothers, provides meals and supplements to children, and child care, and allows for the operation of a summer food program to meet the needs of children when they are not in school, but in day care centers, Head Start, summer camp and homeless shelters. Mr. Speaker, these changes will benefit our children positively over the next few years.”