Jerry Nadler: “Sadly, it seems clear that this House today will abdicate its moral duty and knowingly vote to allow children to go…”

“Sadly, it seems clear that this House today will abdicate its moral duty and knowingly vote to allow children to go hungry in America. Sadly, our President, a member of the Democratic Party, the party of Franklin Roosevelt and John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, will sign this bill. Does this bill allocate sufficient funds to provide employment for people who want to work? No. Does this bill provide adequate child care so parents can leave their children in a safe environment and earn a living? No. Does this bill ensure that people leaving welfare can take their kids to a doctor when they get sick? No. Does this bill do anything to raise wages so people who work hard to play by the rules will not have to see their children grow up in poverty? No. Does this bill reduce the value of food stamps for children of the poorest working people to push these children into poverty and hunger? No. Mr. Speaker, I know that scapegoating poor children is politically popular this year, but it is not right. We must stand up for our country's children. I urge my colleagues to reject this immoral legislation.”