[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 124 (Thursday, September 19, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H5666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          THE FOOD STAMP BILL

  (Mr. HARRIS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, the food stamp bill today is a chance to 
reform the food stamp program, to decrease the waste, fraud, and abuse, 
and make sure people who need help get it.
  This week, 10 Baltimore businesses were indicted for stealing $7 
million in food stamps. That's a travesty. One store, like the one 
pictured right here, defrauded the American taxpayer for $2 million. In 
fact, the Department of Agriculture found that over 10 percent of 
stores participating in the program are committing food stamp fraud.
  This bill reforms food stamps by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse by 
just 5 percent, cutting back on fraud like the ``Second Obama Express'' 
store, and by making sure able-bodied adults are working, seeking work, 
or getting job training.
  Mr. Speaker, Republicans aren't trying to take food out of babies' 
mouths or make our seniors go hungry. Don't believe the scare tactics 
from my colleagues who oppose the bill. This is a commonsense reform 
that cuts waste, fraud, and abuse, leaving more money for the Americans 
who truly need help in time of need.

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