Rep. Vargas Demands Reporting Devastating Effects of SNAP Cuts
Washington, DC (June 18, 2013) –Today, before the House Committee on Rules, Congressman Juan Vargas (D-CA) is introducing an amendment to H.R. 1947, the “Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act.” The amendmentwould require the Secretary of Agriculture to post on the Department of Agriculture website the number of individuals, families, children, veterans, and seniors who would lose SNAP benefits nationally, by state, and by Congressional district, as a result of the cuts made to the SNAP program by the FARRM Act.
“It is a disgrace that Members of Congress are willing to take food out of the mouths of hungry children, families, veterans, and seniors, as a means of reducing the deficit,” said Rep Vargas. “We need to increase transparency and accountability by establishing a reporting system that shows how many people will be left struggling to buy food if their Representatives vote in favor of these devastating cuts to SNAP.”
Currently, the number of people who will lose SNAP benefits is only available as a national estimate. It is extremely difficult to find statistics on those losing benefits at the State or Congressional district level. Moreover, the information available is not presented in a concise, user-friendly manner and does not break down the categories of people receiving and potentially losing benefits to include sub-sections, such as veterans and seniors.
“As Members of Congress, it is our duty to protect those who elected us to represent them,” stated Vargas. “Our constituents should have a simple and convenient way to see how SNAP cuts will affect their communities.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire U.S./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.