Political Quotes

“In response to the distinguished gentleman from Massachusetts' comments, I would simply suggest that what this amendment is trying to do is: number one, give the States the option to utilize modern management techniques in terms of the operation of the SNAP program. It is an option. It is not a mandate. Number two, I would point out that various programs such as TANF, and such as the Children's Health Insurance Program also have the ability to do precisely what I am suggesting in this amendment. This is not unusual. This is not sending jobs overseas. That is an absurd notion, I believe. The fact of the matter is, we are trying to make it possible for States to seamlessly run these programs, whether it is TANF, whether it is housing assistance, whether it is the Children's Health Insurance Program, or whether it is Medicaid. Those programs, States already have the option and already have the ability to use social service nonprofit organizations like Catholic Charities to assist them in eligibility determinations, to assist States in assisting recipients in getting into employment and training programs. So what this amendment is seeking to do is to eliminate the exclusion of that ability that is now only in the SNAP program. Mr.…”