Washington – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement addressing a recent opinion article by Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway and National Black Chamber CEO Harry Alford .

 

“House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway and Harry Alford, President and CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, wrote an article last week portraying  Farm Bill proposals to revamp the SNAP program as ‘smart investments … and smart for the Black community.’  I am incensed to see the supporters of the Conaway-Republican Farm Bill go lower than I ever thought they would by targeting the Black community to join their war on the poor, the elderly, children and those who are ill.  Their claims do not tell the truth about the impact of the Farm Bill.

 

“What bill supporters fail to tell the American people is that 65% of SNAP recipients cannot work (the elderly, the disabled and children under 16), and a majority of the remaining 35% do work.  Instead, they are using the Farm Bill to make citizens believe that those on SNAP are lazy and undeserving.

 

“The Republican Farm Bill is not good for farmers. It’s not good for the environment. And it’s certainly not good for hungry people, regardless of their race or ethnicity.  Let’s not fall for the okey-doke.” 

 

 

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