"the intent of Congress to allow states to have more flexibility in how they operate SNAP and related programs is to really ensure that those states can target the constituents, and those families, in a meaningful way"
"I hope it is clear that this Committee, in a bipartisan effort, really wants to make these benefits work in a way that assists people to move out of poverty."
"finding the balances so that we are innovative and thinking about ways, particularly, to garner better access, not just to food in general but healthy food that has the educational components and choi..."
"I have no tolerance for it, but I expect the state administrators to do their job and to be held accountable."
"We want to make sure beneficiaries and families, individuals in the community aren't doing things--and providers and contractors, that here I have a state that is falsifying records to deny access to ..."
"I thank Members of this Committee who have already joined this important legislation, and encourage all Members to cosponsor this bill."
"Striking these balances are very important, and making sure that we don't end up in an environment where we just create more hunger."
"We want folks to get work opportunities, and we don't want being eligible for public benefits to create an environment where you are not succeeding."
"the support from Congress to see that happen is probably essential."
"In New Mexico, we have permanent SNAP lines at the commissary on the Air Force base, because we have such high poverty rates..."
"That is why last month I introduced H.R. 5215, the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2016."