“The House Republican proposal would recklessly cut assistance for at least 4 million to 6 million people who need help, and we cannot let this happen”, said Rep. Bass
On September 18, 2013 Rep. Karen Bass of California asked for and was granted permission to address the United States House of Representatives for one minute regarding the cuts in the food stamp program.
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of H.R. 3102, the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act.”
“Contrary to the rhetoric of my Republican colleagues, the overwhelming majority of SNAP recipients who can work do so. Among SNAP households with an able-bodied adult, more than 50 percent work while receiving SNAP benefits. They just do not earn enough money to provide food for their families. In my district in Los Angeles, nearly 77 percent of families receiving SNAP benefits are working families”, she said.
“The Republican attack on SNAP is a sad example of not understanding the struggles faced by so many Americans, including many of their own constituents. SNAP benefits help low-wage working families make ends meet as they try to get back on their feet. Millions of families rely on SNAP as they struggle with unemployment and low wages in the wake of the recession. The House Republican proposal would recklessly cut assistance for at least 4 million to 6 million people who need help, and we cannot let this happen”, said Rep. Bass (source: Congressional Record http://thomas.loc.gov/).
Rep Bass serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Judiciary Committee. She also serves on the House Committe on Overcriminalization Task Force.