CÁRDENAS STATEMENT ON FARM BILL
CÁRDENAS STATEMENT ON FARM BILL
(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley) voted “no” on H.R. 2642, the conference-negotiated Farm Bill. Cárdenas cast his vote following discussions with constituents in the San Fernando Valley who consistently cited cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of more than $8 billion.
“I did not come to Congress to take food out of the mouths of American families who are most in need,” said Cárdenas. “Voting no on this bill was a painful decision. I want to help the American farmer, I am happy that animal welfare is being protected and I support the disaster relief funding for California drought victims. There are many good parts of this legislation. However, I cannot overcome the concern I have for the lives of those most dependent on this bill. We cannot balance our budget on the backs of those who already have so little.”
Currently, SNAP provides less than $2.20 per meal for recipients. Cuts in the farm bill legislation will cut between 15 and 20 meals per month for the average family.
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