Rep. Vargas Commends Congress for Protecting SNAP Benefits For Millions of Americans
Washington, DC (June 20, 2013) –Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA) strongly commended Congress for taking a stand against more than $20.5 billion in devastating cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by voting in opposition of H.R. 1947, the “Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act.”
“I was pleased to see my colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, come together to fight for the more than 2 million Americans, including seniors, children and the disabled, who rely on SNAP benefits to survive,” said Rep. Vargas. “SNAP is an essential program that helps not only the low income, but also those who have temporarily fallen on hard times. The program, used by people of all backgrounds, is often the primary way they provide food for themselves and their families.”
Vargas continued, “I am proud to report back to the more than 23,500 individuals and families in my district, who rely on SNAP benefits to survive, that Congress will not force them to go without food. By defeating the FARRM Act, we have stopped seniors with limited incomes, children who need nutritious foods to develop, and veterans who have fought selflessly for our country from going hungry.”
“It was an honor to fight for those who desperately need SNAP benefits. I am hopeful that our leaders will continue to come together to protect the people they were elected to serve and ensure that hunger is not an issue in the wealthiest country in the world.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.