Rep. Vargas Takes a Stand to Protect SNAP Recipients
WASHINGTON, DC (January 29, 2014) – Today, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted on and passed H.R. 2642, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act:
“I have fought tirelessly to ensure that the Farm Bill includes funding for programs that are of particular benefit to my district and California as a whole. I was pleased that crucial provisions supporting California’s specialty crops, expanding agricultural exports, funding food banks and Community Food Projects, and protecting rural housing were included in the final bill.
“However, I could not in good conscious support a bill that attempts to balance the nation’s budget on the backs of our seniors, children, and veterans. The Farm Bill cuts more than $8 billion from SNAP, forcing those who are already struggling in this economy to face further hardship. It is imperative to remember that more than a quarter of SNAP beneficiaries live in households with seniors or people with disabilities. In California alone, 84% of SNAP recipients are families with children, and 82,000 are veterans.
“The Farm Bill is being touted as reducing the deficit, yet it would still successfully save $15 billion without making any cuts to SNAP. Congress must find a better way of putting our fiscal house in order than taking food out of the mouths of our children, veterans, and seniors.”
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.