On the recordSeptember 24, 2019
I thank the gentlewoman from the U.S. Virgin Islands for yielding and for her continued leadership on issues that impact Americans throughout the diaspora and also issues that the CBC finds necessary to continue to raise. We are known as the conscience of the Congress, and although we are the Congressional Black Caucus, we represent 78 million Americans of all stripes. That is something that I think is very important for people to understand. I am not surprised that the gentlewoman once again has raised an issue for the caucus that impacts so many people in this Nation and, if President Trump has his way, negatively impacts so many people in this Nation. I am very concerned about Trump's latest attack on low-income Americans. His administration would like to make drastic changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The program, which used to be called food stamps, has helped millions of working parents, disabled Americans, and seniors afford a more nutritional diet. Traditionally, SNAP benefits were assigned based on a standard income level. If you made less than 130 percent of the Federal poverty level, roughly $2,300 per month, you were eligible. If you made more than that, you were not. However, there was an important clause in how the State governments assessed that income. If you had a more prosperous year, say you made an extra $100 or $200 per month thanks to a side job, you could still be eligible for the benefits.…
