[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 18, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H5598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                  SNAP

  (Ms. BASS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of H.R. 3102, the 
Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act.
  Contrary to the rhetoric of my Republican colleagues, the 
overwhelming majority of SNAP recipients who can work do so. Among SNAP 
households with an able-bodied adult, more than 50 percent work while 
receiving SNAP benefits. They just do not earn enough money to provide 
food for their families. In my district in Los Angeles, nearly 77 
percent of families receiving SNAP benefits are working families.
  The Republican attack on SNAP is a sad example of not understanding 
the struggles faced by so many Americans, including many of their own 
constituents. SNAP benefits help low-wage working families make ends 
meet as they try to get back on their feet. Millions of families rely 
on SNAP as they struggle with unemployment and low wages in the wake of 
the recession. The House Republican proposal would recklessly cut 
assistance for at least 4 million to 6 million people who need help, 
and we cannot let this happen.

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