WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives today to criticize the House version of the 2013 Farm Bill, which includes $20 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP, which replaced the food stamps program, helps America’s poorest citizens provide healthy food for their families.
“The Republican majority in this chamber is using unprecedented and massive cuts to food stamps to get an agricultural bill passed,” Himes said. “Food stamps are about $4.50 a day for hungry children and vulnerable seniors. I’m not going to dignify this amoral effort with a counter argument. I'm just going to observe that I'm standing under four words: In God We Trust.”
Click here for a video of the speech. The text of the entire speech follows this release.
“Mr. Speaker, the American people need to understand what's happening on the floor of the House this week with respect to the farm bill. Now, it's a complicated thing with agricultural subsidies, commodity treatments, and food stamps. And here's where the American public needs to pay attention, because the Republican majority in this chamber is using unprecedented and massive cuts to food stamps to get an agricultural bill passed.
“What are food stamps? Food stamps are about $4.50 a day for hungry children and vulnerable seniors. I’m not going to dignify this amoral effort with a counter argument. I'm just going to observe that I'm standing under four words: In God We Trust. I'm going to observe that the minister this morning opened this House with a prayer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and say two things. Proverbs 22:9, ‘Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.’ Matthew 25:37, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And the king will answer them, truly I say to you, as you did it to the least of these, my brothers, you did it to me.’ I yield back.”