On the recordMay 16, 2013
As I watch the farm bills move forward in the House and Senate, I am very saddened at the disregard for my most vulnerable constituents--our fellow Americans. Cutting another of our Nation's safety nets will only serve to further the suffering of disadvantaged children and senior citizens across the country. Many of the recipients in my district who rely on SNAP to lift their families out of poverty and combat what would otherwise be certain malnutrition of their children, for many of these families this is the only form of income assistance they receive. Eighty percent of them fall below the poverty line. Reducing benefits would have a terrible effect on millions of Americans. In addition to the Recovery Act's boost of funds ending, further cuts are not warranted. Although the recipients of SNAP don't have an association to represent them here in Washington, I have come to the floor today to let them know that they are not being forgotten in this fight and that many Representatives will continue to battle on their behalf. ____________________
