[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 193 (Wednesday, December 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL TO INCREASE 
                       HUNGER AND FOOD INSECURITY

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 4, 2019

  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I am alarmed and 
outraged by the Trump Administration's decision to increase hunger and 
food insecurity for millions of Americans. Governments should 
strengthen their people, assist the vulnerable, and improve well-being. 
Instead, the Trump Administration has advanced a rule change to cut 
millions of low-income children, families, veterans, people with 
disabilities, and seniors off their food stamp benefits, or 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Trump 
Administration estimates that at least 3.1 million families would lose 
their SNAP benefits, including stopping free and reduced school meals 
for nearly one million children.
  In 2017, almost 40 million people, including more than 12.5 million 
children, experienced food insecurity. In my home state of Illinois, 
more than 63 percent of SNAP participants are in families with children 
and almost 30 percent are in families with members who are elderly or 
disabled. This rule targets the most vulnerable people in my state and 
across the nation. Even the U.S. Department of Agriculture admits that 
this Trump policy would exacerbate food insecurity for millions of 
Americans.
  This is unacceptable. Millions of low-income Americans rely on SNAP 
as the first line of defense against hunger and food insecurity. By 
imposing this harmful rule, the Trump Administration actually increases 
hunger and hardship by erecting additional barriers for families and 
individuals who are trying to meet one of the most basic needs for 
survival.
  I stand in strong opposition to this unnecessary and spiteful rule. 
The Trump Administration is attempting to impose a policy that Congress 
has rejected twice in the last two versions of the Farm Bill via 
bipartisan votes. The policies of this Administration have advantaged 
the most secure and left working families and our most vulnerable 
populations behind. As the Trump Administration prioritizes giving 
trillions of dollars to the most privileged corporations and 
billionaires, it literally takes food from hungry children. I reject 
this disgraceful rule and will continue to fight for the people of 
Chicago and the nation to ensure they receive the food they need. I 
urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this proposed rule and 
demanding that the Trump Administration rescind the rule immediately.

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