Democrats blast GOP over vote to cut food stamps
The recent passage of a House bill to cut billions of dollars from federal food stamp programs will “take food from the mouths of almost four million of our fellow citizens,” charged US Rep. Nydia Velazquez, who argued unsuccessfully against the measure.
Velazquez (D-Sunset Park-Red Hook-Williamsburg) was among several Democrats in the New York delegation speaking out against the Sept. 19 vote to eliminate $39 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill passed by a 217-210 margin. No Democrats voted for the legislation. Fifteen Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the bill.
Velazquez, who spoke on the House floor in opposition, said the cut in funding will hurt the nation’s most vulnerable. “Who are these Americans? Nearly half of them are children. They are seniors. They are our veterans. Is this the way to thank them for their service?” she asked.