The Congressional Black Caucus Oppose Devastating Cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill

Washington, DC – Today, the Congressional Black Caucus, led by Chairman Emanuel Cleaver and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture opposing the destructive cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). During these challenging economic times, more than 46 million Americans rely on SNAP to put food on their tables. Over 14% of American households still experience food insecurity. SNAP is among the most active federal program and is designed to respond to the critical nutritional needs of American families. “SNAP helps keep millions of Americans out of poverty, including more than 2 million children in 2010 alone, said Chairman Emanuel Cleaver. “As the conscience of the Congress, we will not, shall not and cannot allow these devastating cuts to SNAP, which will cause great harm for our most vulnerable communities”, he added. More than 85 percent of the households enrolled in SNAP have gross incomes below poverty –$22,000 for a family of four. And 40% of households have an income less than half of the poverty line. This program is beyond invaluable for millions of hard working American families. The letter in its entirety is included below.

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Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515

June 21, 2012

The Honorable Frank D. Lucas The Honorable Collin C. Peterson
Chairman Ranking Member
House Committee on Agriculture House Committee on Agriculture
1301 Longworth House Office Building 1305 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Peterson,

On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Americans we represent, we oppose devastating cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and urge you to consider our strong opposition to any SNAP benefit cuts as the House Agriculture Committee reauthorizes the Farm Bill. More than 46 million needy Americans depend on SNAP for nutrition. Families with children account for nearly 75 percent of SNAP participants and more than 25 percent of SNAP households include seniors or people with disabilities. As the conscience of the Congress, we will not allow the budget to be balanced on the backs of the poor and most vulnerable.

Jobless, homeless and hunger rates continue to increase. These rates are disproportionately higher in urban, suburban and rural communities where minorities and low-income Americans reside. SNAP is an essential lifeline for these Americans and others struggling to make ends meet.

We urge you to consider this letter and the people we represent as you reauthorize the Farm Bill. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is not the program to cut at a time when Americans across the country are in considerable need.

Sincerely,
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus