McGovern Denounces Trump Administration Proposal to Dramatically Cut Eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits

Washington, July 25, 2019
“Trump’s proposal would wallop working families in Massachusetts, where the cost of living is high and the flexibility of categorical eligibility is crucial.”

WASHINGTON – Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee and an outspoken advocate on ending hunger in America, released this statement following news that the Trump Administration plans to cut over 3 million low-income Americans off of SNAP:

“I am disgusted, but not surprised, that Trump is once again attacking hardworking Americans trying to pull themselves out of poverty. He promised to look after the forgotten men and women of America – the poorest and most vulnerable in our society – yet time and again he slashes the very programs these families rely on so that he can give tax breaks to his wealthy friends. I am particularly concerned that school-aged children will be hit hardest by this proposed rule. Over 500,000 low-income kids would lose automatic eligibility for free school meals if this rule goes through.

“Democrats and Republicans in Congress already rejected cuts to categorical eligibility in the Farm Bill that we passed last year. This is an end run around our decision and we will not tolerate that. Trump’s proposal would also wallop working families in Massachusetts, where the cost of living is high and the flexibility of categorical eligibility is crucial.

“This proposal is rotten, it’s wrong, and we’re going to fight it tooth and nail.”

Last week, McGovern took to the House Floor to explain how the specific cuts the administration is proposing will disproportionately hurt Massachusetts families.