Issue Position: Ending Hunger and Poverty

Issue Position

The economic recession has pushed more people into poverty, and there are more than 49 million Americans who don't know where they'll get their next meal. And unfortunately the numbers continue to climb. Individuals and families slipping into poverty are increasingly in need for basic necessities like housing and food.

I have spent my entire career in public service working for our nation's low-income, working community. In Congress, I have focused on reforming key government assistance programs to ensure that all Americans are given the opportunity to provide for their families and put food on the table. In 2009, legislation I wrote to expand assistance for homeless became law. Because of that, more of our most vulnerable citizens and their families can access vital services.

I am a strong supporter of nutrition programs and have introduced legislation that would guarantee every child three healthy meals a day. The upcoming Women Infants & Children and Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act will give Congress the opportunity to expand the availability of nutritious meals and snacks to children and improve the quality of food served in schools across the country.

I also champion helping those in poverty get educational opportunities to gain skills needed to get work, and I've introduced legislation to help women in poverty escape domestic violence and to make it easier for states to help disabled people in poverty find work.

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