Joe Crowley: “The last time we considered devastating cuts to nutrition programs, I brought messages my constituents had written on…”

“The last time we considered devastating cuts to nutrition programs, I brought messages my constituents had written on paper plates, telling stories of how much the SNAP program has helped them. I read aloud each plate's personal, heartbreaking story of the difference food assistance makes for a parent, a student, or a family, but today I have an empty plate because that's what so many of my constituents would see if this bill became law--in fact, 27,000 to be specific. I thought about bringing 27,000 plates down here--like this one--to make my point, but I decided not to create that kind of a waste just to make a point that is already so obvious. The Republicans want you to believe that we don't have the money to feed hungry kids but that we can afford subsidies for Big Oil and tax breaks for corporate jet owners. It is ridiculous. If this week doesn't show the backward priorities of the Republican majority, I don't know what will. This shortsighted, slash-and-burn approach to governing won't get this country moving forward. Taking food away from children? The sad truth is, all that's being served up by the Republicans is a lack of vision.”