[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 89 (Wednesday, May 22, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H3465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             PAY THEM BACK

  (Ms. SALINAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the daughter of a Vietnam 
veteran and the Representative for Oregan's Sixth District, home to 
nearly 40,000 veterans.
  These brave Oregonians served our country, and now I have the great 
honor of serving them in Congress. They are hardworking people, some of 
whom carry with them scars both visible and invisible of their service.
  Returning to civilian life can be challenging. Mental health problems 
are all too common, and many veterans struggle to find stable jobs in 
housing. They put country first and their own comfort second.
  As Members of Congress, the least we can do is to show them we care.
  That is why I was shocked to see House Republicans proposing $30 
billion in cuts to SNAP in their farm bill proposal.
  Cutting SNAP was never on the table for Democrats, yet my Republican 
colleagues have chosen to move forward with this reckless plan and take 
away up to 2 days' worth of food every month from hungry veterans, 
kids, and seniors.

  Why must my Republican colleagues deprive veterans of food when they 
fall on hard times? Why the unnecessary cruelty?
  Instead, we need to protect SNAP and ensure that those who have 
sacrificed so much for our freedom will have healthy, nutritious food 
on the table. It is our job--no, our duty and responsibility to pay 
them back.

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