[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 83 (Wednesday, June 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E853-E854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     PROPOSED CUTS TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2013

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
speak against the appalling proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition 
Assistance Program, SNAP, in the 2013 Farm Bill. SNAP provides an 
indispensable safety net for families struggling to make ends meet.
  Approximately 50.1 million Americans live in households that suffer 
from food insecurity. In Texas, 19 percent of people and 27 percent of 
children struggle against hunger. SNAP supports people when they need 
it most, responding to the dramatic increase in the number of 
unemployed Americans from 2007 to 2011 with a 70 percent increase in 
participation.
  The Republican Farm Bill would cut $20.5 billion from SNAP, kicking 2 
million Americans off the program. As a result of these cuts, 210,000 
children would also lose access to free school meals. These cuts are 
reckless and irresponsible. As our economy continues to recover, now is 
not the time to slash funding for this essential safety net program 
that helps people out of poverty.
  I urge my colleagues to oppose cuts to SNAP. We must not balance the 
budget on the backs of children and the most vulnerable Americans.
    

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