STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL TO INCREASE HUNGER AND FOOD INSECURITY; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 193
(Extensions of Remarks - December 04, 2019)
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[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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