[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SUPPORTING THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

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                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, some of my distinguished colleagues claim 
that we must cut spending to protect the future of our country and our 
children. But what costs are we willing to incur with reckless cuts to 
a critical program that has helped 46 million Americans stay fed? If we 
cut SNAP, we will be throwing the baby out with the bath water.
  Children make up nearly half of the Americans who rely on food 
stamps. SNAP continues to play an instrumental role in our nation's 
economic recovery, helping millions of struggling American families to 
feed their kids. With SNAP, students across the country can start each 
day well-fed and ready to learn.
  There's no question that SNAP works. The best way to shrink the 
program is not through funding cuts, but by making the American dream a 
reality for all Americans once again. If we truly want to protect our 
children's future, we cannot steal food off their dinner tables. To 
protect our future, we must protect SNAP.

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