[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 103 (Wednesday, July 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE 
                             PROGRAM (SNAP)

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2012

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in 
support of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding as 
the House Agriculture Committee marks up H.R. 6083, the Federal 
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARMM) Act.
  As families struggle to meet their basic needs during the economic 
downturn, the SNAP short-term food assistance program has become more 
important than ever. With over 14 percent of American households 
suffering from food insecurity, SNAP works to ensure that children, 
unemployed workers, and seniors have the nutrition and extra help they 
need. SNAP provides essential support for 46.3 million Americans 
(nearly half of which are children) in 22 million different households. 
Washington State alone has nearly 1 million people that rely on SNAP 
benefits.
  Changes proposed in the FARMM Act to end broad-based categorical 
eligibility would hurt low-income families in Washington State. An 
estimated 80,000 Washingtonians that currently receive SNAP benefits 
would not qualify or would be dropped from the program. Further, an 
estimated 280,000 low-income children in SNAP-eligible households that 
currently have access to free or reduced school meals would no longer 
have access. Further, FARMM Act provisions to limit which Low Income 
Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payments can apply to SNAP 
benefits, would further limit benefits received through SNAP. These 
changes would disproportionately impact children, seniors, and working 
families. In these trying economic times, many Washingtonians cannot 
afford these cuts.
  Congress must stand up for SNAP funding, as the program plays a 
crucial role in our economic recovery. The best way to lower government 
spending on SNAP is not through major cuts, but by continuing to help 
families in need. In Washington State, the average SNAP recipient 
receives benefits for only nine months. In these tough economic times, 
SNAP is providing much-needed support in getting families back on their 
feet.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues protect SNAP funding as the 
FARMM Act goes through the legislative process.

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