Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene gave the following remarks today on the floor of the House of Representatives to voice her opposition to legislation that would cut basic food aid (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/SNAP) by $40 billion over ten years. The bill would result in 3.8 million people being denied nutrition assistance, most of whom are working families, veterans, children and seniors. Additionally, states with strong job training programs, such as Washington’s, stand to lose millions in federal matching dollars for these programs. The full text of DelBene’s speech, as prepared for delivery, is below:

“Madam Speaker, we’re debating an extreme bill with no chance of becoming law, when we could be weeks into conferencing a Farm Bill.

“SNAP has prevented millions from falling into poverty.  In the western part of Washington state, 690,000 people are still experiencing hunger—and we should not be arbitrarily cutting off aid.

“This bill would force states to cut off people struggling to find a job, also stripping them of transportation and childcare assistance. If states don’t comply, they lose funds for SNAP Employment and Training programs, like the model program we have in Washington state that has led many to self-sufficiency.

“Even at the height of the recession, 60% in Washington’s programs found employment and more than half were off assistance two years after the program.

“House leadership says this bill will lead to more people working. But how does cutting programs proven to help people find jobs accomplish this?

“All this bill does is cut the lifeline for 3.8 million hungry American families, children, veterans and seniors.

“This bill is not a serious proposal. Vote no.”

Video of DelBene’s speech can be viewed HERE.