WASHINGTON – Today, Reps. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), Chair of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations; Stacey E. Plaskett (VI), Chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research; and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Vice Chair of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, led 46 of their House colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing deep concerns about recent reports the Department plans to include a letter signed by the President in food boxes distributed through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. 

“Using a federal relief program to distribute a self-promoting letter from the President to American families just 3 months before the presidential election is inappropriate and a violation of federal law,” the Members wrote.  “We strongly urge you to end the practice immediately.”

Noting the Hatch Act prohibits executive branch employees from using their official position to influence the result of an election, the Members added, “A public health crisis is not an opportunity for the administration to promote its own political interests.  Likewise, a federal food assistance program should not be used as a tool for the President to exploit taxpayer dollars for his re-election campaign.”

The letter also requests information on the purpose of the signed letter, who directed its inclusion in the food boxes, and how it is being funded, among other questions.

A signed copy of the letter can be found here.

###