Engel Signs on as Original Cosponsor of the Protect SNAP Act

Statement

Congressman Eliot Engel has signed on as an original cosponsor of the Protect SNAP Act, legislation introduced today which would restore and protect the current regulations surrounding able-bodied SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients, as well as prevent the use of funds to carry out a new Trump Administration rule that would drastically cut SNAP eligibility.

SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. Earlier this week, the Trump Administration announced a new rule that would create work requirements for SNAP recipients. The move would result in nearly 700,000 people losing SNAP benefits.

"As I said when this move was announced, slashing SNAP benefits for nearly 700,000 people during the holiday season is beyond heartless," Engel stated. "Time and again the Trump Administration has demonstrated its willingness to hurt the most vulnerable among us. Whether its trying to take away health care or trying to take away food, they don't care how many people are made to needlessly suffer. House Democrats are once again fighting back against this cruel Administration with the introduction of the Protect SNAP Act, which will undo this new rule and allow families who need it most to continue putting food on their tables. President Trump may be fine allowing people to starve, but I'm not. I'm proud to join this bill as original cosponsor."

The Protect SNAP Act was authored by Reps. Barbara Lee and Rosa L. DeLauro.

Source