Pelosi Statement on Democratic Call to Restore Nutrition Assistance to the Farm Bill

Statement

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today in support of a letter from 205 House Democrats to Speaker Boehner calling on Republican leadership to restore funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to the final Farm Bill:

"Today's letter issues a clarion call to Republican leaders to preserve and advance the health, economic certainty, and food security of millions of American families. As too many children and seniors go to bed hungry each night -- without knowing where they will get their meals the next day -- it is our responsibility to enact a Farm Bill that restores essential nutrition initiatives for nearly 50 million Americans.

"The Republican record reflects a blatant disregard for the needs of the most vulnerable Americans -- from their failure to pass a comprehensive Farm Bill to their decision to remove nutrition assistance from the legislation entirely. Now, Republicans reportedly want to slash $40 billion from SNAP and other critical efforts. This wrong-headed approach will take food from the mouths of children and undermine the well-being of millions of families.

"Democrats are united in seeking a responsible solution to this challenge. It is our hope that the Republican response to this letter is focused on how we move forward on behalf of the best interests of hardworking Americans. We must act to fight not to increase hunger in America."

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