[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 43 (Wednesday, April 17, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H1345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         FOOD STAMP RESTORATION

  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus has been 
working hard to restore food stamp benefits to hard-working, tax-paying 
legal residents; I state, to hard-working, tax-paying legal residents. 
Unfortunately, the House amendment 2846 would leave thousands of legal 
residents, permanent residents, without food stamps. This amendment 
would discriminate against permanent legal residents.
  This is a real problem for LPRs and their families. Thirty-seven 
percent of all children of immigrants live in families that cannot 
afford enough nutrition on a regular basis. Most immigrant families 
include at least one child that is an American citizen. These children 
go to school hungry because their parents cannot afford to pay for food 
stamps or apply for food stamps. How can these kids study and learn and 
concentrate in the classroom if they do not have enough to eat?
  We talk about ``leave no child behind.'' Well, we are about to do 
that, through this amendment. It is time for us to assure that all 
legal immigrants are eligible for food stamps. These are hardworking, 
legal permanent residents who currently cannot buy food stamps because 
they are not eligible for assistance under the basic nutritional 
program.
  I urge the President that he must deliver on his promises to the 
Latino community. We need his leadership and inclusion, not false 
promises.

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