WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) announced today she will vote no on H.R.3102, a stand-alone nutrition bill that doubles down on steep cuts to benefits in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.  Congresswoman Fudge released the following statement in advance of her assignment managing floor debate on behalf of House Democrats who stand with her opposing this legislation:

“In our great nation, nearly 50 million Americans struggle to put food on the table.  A staggering one in five children, more than 16 million, is food insecure and 47% of all SNAP benefits go to children under 18. Nearly 16% of SNAP households include seniors. SNAP is their lifeline, and yet, House Republicans have decided to double the cuts included from the failed farm bill from June of this year.   This will not help vulnerable, hungry Americans do well in school, stay healthy, or get on their feet; it’s kicking them when they’re already down.”

“SNAP recipients receive $1.40 per meal. Beginning in November, however, each household’s benefits will be reduced by an average of $36 per month due to the expiration of a supplement enacted during the height of the recession. In addition, H.R. 3102 would change eligibility guidelines and deny SNAP benefits altogether to an estimated 3.5 million people in 2014.  That includes about 29,000 people in Cuyahoga County and 134,000 people throughout Ohio, who are deemed able bodied adults without dependents. National unemployment remains at 7.3% and this number is considerably higher in marginalized communities.  There are not enough jobs or work training programs that would enable vulnerable Americans with low skill levels to earn a living wage and they would not qualify for SNAP under stringent guidelines imposed by this legislation.”

“By imposing drastic cuts to feeding programs, House Republicans are also derailing any chance at enactment of a new comprehensive farm bill.  This is needed to support our nation’s farmers, ranchers, rural communities and the 16 million Americans whose jobs directly depend on the agriculture industry. The SNAP cuts are almost ten times larger than those in the Senate bill and would make any chance at bipartisan agreement on a Farm Bill nearly impossible,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

“A nation cannot be truly great without a moral compass.  We’ve lost our way if we turn our backs on millions of Americans in need.  That’s not who we are. I look forward to working with anyone in Congress on a farm bill that recognizes feeding and farming go hand in hand.”

##