Press Releases

Today, following reports that Senate Republicans and the White House continue to block support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as millions more Americans face unemployment and hunger, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, issued this statement:

“A record number of Americans have filed for unemployment. Food pantry lines in some states stretch miles down the road. We are experiencing a crisis of food insecurity not seen in the United States in decades. I’ve always thought ending hunger should be a more bipartisan issue, but never in my life did I imagine that Republicans would block nutrition assistance for children and families who are struggling to afford their groceries in the middle of a pandemic. Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump ought to be ashamed. They don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from – but they don’t think other families should be afforded the same right.

“Right now, we should be providing more for those who have been disadvantaged by this pandemic by increasing maximum SNAP benefits by 15%, increasing the minimum SNAP benefit from $16 to $30, and suspending all of the Trump Administration’s SNAP cuts until the economy can recover. Not only would this help struggling families, it would provide an immediate economic boost to local retailers. Last week, I sent a letter to House and Senate leaders urging these changes to support America’s hungry families, and I am grateful to Speaker Pelosi for her steadfast leadership on this. Rest assured we will continue fighting tooth and nail to help those who are experiencing hunger and food insecurity.”