Sires Rejects Disastrous Food Aid Bill

Statement

Congressman Sires voted against H.R. 3102: the so called "Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013". This misguided legislation would strip food stamp aid from millions of Americans, with hundreds of thousands more seeing reductions to their already limited benefits.

"Food aid programs such as food stamps ensure our children, our parents and grandparents, and America's working families get basic nutritional aid when they've fallen on hard times," Congressman Sires said. "It is unconscionable that Congress is once again attempting to balance our budget on the backs of those who are most vulnerable, while so many Americans are still struggling through the economic recovery."

The nutrition title, which has historically been included in the farm bill, provides funding for food assistance programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and the Commodity Supplemental Program. These programs ensure that American families and seniors have access to the food they need, that our food banks are stocked, and that our children have access to a nutritious breakfast and lunch at school. Despite widespread objection, H.R. 3102 narrowly passed in the House by a vote of 217 to 210.

"A healthy, vibrant democracy is dependent upon a healthy, vibrant population. Unfortunately, this bill only creates more insecurity for American families." stated Congressman Sires. "I urge my colleagues in the House to reconsider this short-sighted effort, which only stands to harm those who go to bed hungry each night. As a nation, I believe we are capable of far better than that."

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