[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 167 (Thursday, November 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS: HUNGER IN AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 18, 2013

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the stance of the 
Congressional Black Caucus in their daily fight to preserve, support 
and increase funding for initiatives to end hunger in America. The 
Congressional Black Caucus has proposed a fiscally sound and morally 
responsible budget that protects the SNAP program as well as other 
programs that are vital to vulnerable communities.
  As a member of the House Hunger Caucus, Out of Poverty Caucus, and 
proud co-sponsor of H.R. 3353, the ``Extend Not Cut SNAP Benefits Act'' 
I am dedicated to educating my fellow Members on hunger-related issues 
as I understand the devastating impact hunger has on millions of 
children and families in our country.
  The cuts in SNAP benefits implemented on November 1, 2013, reduce the 
amount per-meal that beneficiaries receive to $1.40, affecting not only 
the families that rely on SNAP but also straining the resources of 
local food pantries that will be pressed to fill the gap, to keep 
people from going hungry. Together, the SNAP meals lost in 2014 from 
the scheduled cuts--nearly 3.4 billion meals--would exceed the 
projected annual meal distribution by Feeding America food banks around 
the country.
  Further, a family of 4 will receive $36 less each month which 
translates into a week of groceries that will be taken away from poor 
working families, disabled persons, the elderly and children.
  This reduction in benefits is the largest wholesale cut in the 
program since Congress passed the first Food Stamps Act in 1964 and 
affects nearly one in seven Americans or more than 47 million people. 
The cut is equivalent to 16 meals a month for a family of three.
  SNAP programs lifted 4.7 million Americans above the poverty line in 
2011, including 2.1 million children. Approximately 91% of SNAP 
benefits go to households with incomes below the poverty line. SNAP is 
also a win for the economy because every $1 in benefits generates $1.70 
in economic activity.
  In the 18th Congressional District of Texas, my constituency, there 
are 154,741 persons who will suffer because of the reduction in food 
assistance to an average of $1.40 meal. Studies have documented the 
inadequacy of this level of funding to meet the minimal nutrition 
requirements for children and families. Hundreds of thousands of Texans 
may go hungry if the cuts to the SNAP programs are not restored.
  As I stated earlier I am a strong advocate for H.R. 3353, the 
``Extend Not Cut SNAP Benefits Act'', which maintains SNAP benefits at 
the pre-November 1, 2013 levels and allows the House and Senate to work 
to reach agreement on the Fiscal Year 2014 budget for food programs.
  Congress has the power to enact supporting legislation for the 
individuals, families, and communities that struggle with food security 
in our country. I encourage the collaboration of both sides of the 
aisle to work for this common good.

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