Political Quotes

“First let me commend the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern) and his leadership for 18 years on fighting for the needs of SNAP assistance for our most vulnerable citizens. I rise and stand with Mr. McGovern against this procedural rule and in support of the underlying amendment that Mr. McGovern, myself, and other Members have. This amendment will prevent cuts to the SNAP funding program. The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 includes $20.5 billion in cuts to the SNAP program. That will come on top of an expiration of a benefits boost from the Recovery Act of 2009. SNAP provides food assistance to approximately 46 million Americans in need, and it is estimated that at least 353,000 Nevadans will feel the impact of the upcoming double whammy of SNAP cuts from the FARRM Bill and the expiration of the Recovery Act boost. The bottom line is that the SNAP program is our Nation's most important antihunger program. It kept 4.7 million people out of poverty in 2011, including 2.1 million children. I had a community conference call with my constituents and families in my district who count on SNAP. Many of them live in food deserts. The benefits they receive right now aren't enough for a healthy meal. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired. Mr. McGOVERN. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.”