Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) sent a letter to Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) urging them to pass a Farm Bill before the September deadline that preserves food assistance to children and families. Senator Casey also pushed for the House of Representatives to immediately appoint conferees to work with the Senate on a compromise Farm Bill which recognizes Americans who are facing hunger on a daily basis. According to recent estimates, one dollar of spending on SNAP increases economic activity by approximately $1.75.
“I am concerned about the health and security of Pennsylvanians, especially our children,” wrote Senator Casey. “How can some talk of a prosperous America of tomorrow while advancing proposals that would cause children to go hungry today? I urge you to move forward to a Farm Bill conference with the Senate without making draconian cuts to SNAP.”
Below is the full text of Senator Casey’s letter:
The Honorable John Boehner
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
The Honorable Eric Cantor
Majority Leader
U.S. House of Representatives
Dear Speaker Boehner and Leader Cantor:
A responsible Farm Bill is aimed at meeting America’s need for a safe, secure and affordable supply of food and bioresources. By removing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in partisan fashion, the House of Representatives severely frustrated the balanced mission of this incredibly important legislation. This style of legislating places America’s economy at risk. It causes many to wonder how committed the House is to passing a Farm Bill before the September deadline. I ask that the House of Representatives immediately appoint conferees and maintain an open mind, one which recognizes Americans who are facing hunger on a daily basis.
The recent effort to eliminate SNAP from the Farm Bill by House leadership is irresponsible. Further, the $33 million cut to SNAP for which you have advocated in the past is too extreme. I urge the House to work with the Senate on a responsible bill that protects children, families and our economy.
I am concerned about the health and security of Pennsylvanians, especially our children. How is a child to learn and grow into a healthy American worker when she more often than not opens kitchen cabinets and finds them empty? How can some talk of a prosperous America of tomorrow while advancing proposals that would cause the children to go hungry today? I urge you to move forward to a Farm Bill conference with the Senate without making draconian cuts to SNAP.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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