[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 AGAINST CUTS TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN THE 
                             2013 FARM BILL

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                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2013

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
appalled by proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance 
Program (SNAP) in the 2013 Farm Bill. This program provides crucial 
support to families in New Mexico and across the country that continue 
to struggle to make ends meet.
  SNAP benefits help many households lift themselves out of poverty, 
and prevent families from falling even deeper into poverty. With SNAP 
benefits already averaging less than $1.50 per person per meal, any 
reduction in a family's monthly benefits or eligibility would be 
devastating. We cannot keep expecting poor working families and senior 
citizens to shoulder the burden of misguided deficit reduction.
  In my state, over 78 percent of SNAP participants are in families 
with children. Instead of taking food out of the mouths of the one in 
five New Mexicans who depend on these benefits for their basic 
nutrition and economic security, Congress should focus on creating jobs 
that will grow the economy. New Mexico's farmers and ranchers deserve a 
Farm Bill, but it's wrong to harm our children, seniors and veterans in 
the process.
  I urge the House of Representatives to oppose any short-sighted cuts 
to this vitally important program.

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