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“STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL TO INCREASE HUNGER AND FOOD INSECURITY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1533 on Dec. 4, 2019.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL TO INCREASE
HUNGER AND FOOD INSECURITY
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HON. DANNY K. DAVIS
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I am alarmed and outraged by the Trump Administration's decision to increase hunger and food insecurity for millions of Americans. Governments should strengthen their people, assist the vulnerable, and improve well-being. Instead, the Trump Administration has advanced a rule change to cut millions of low-income children, families, veterans, people with disabilities, and seniors off their food stamp benefits, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Trump Administration estimates that at least 3.1 million families would lose their SNAP benefits, including stopping free and reduced school meals for nearly one million children.
In 2017, almost 40 million people, including more than 12.5 million children, experienced food insecurity. In my home state of Illinois, more than 63 percent of SNAP participants are in families with children and almost 30 percent are in families with members who are elderly or disabled. This rule targets the most vulnerable people in my state and across the nation. Even the U.S. Department of Agriculture admits that this Trump policy would exacerbate food insecurity for millions of Americans.
This is unacceptable. Millions of low-income Americans rely on SNAP as the first line of defense against hunger and food insecurity. By imposing this harmful rule, the Trump Administration actually increases hunger and hardship by erecting additional barriers for families and individuals who are trying to meet one of the most basic needs for survival.
I stand in strong opposition to this unnecessary and spiteful rule. The Trump Administration is attempting to impose a policy that Congress has rejected twice in the last two versions of the Farm Bill via bipartisan votes. The policies of this Administration have advantaged the most secure and left working families and our most vulnerable populations behind. As the Trump Administration prioritizes giving trillions of dollars to the most privileged corporations and billionaires, it literally takes food from hungry children. I reject this disgraceful rule and will continue to fight for the people of Chicago and the nation to ensure they receive the food they need. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this proposed rule and demanding that the Trump Administration rescind the rule immediately.
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