Congresswoman Hirono Fasts to Protest Budget Cuts that Hurt America's Poor

Press Release

Today Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) is honoring a commitment made by more than 36,000 Americans, including some 30 Members of Congress, to fast for 24 hours. The purpose of the fast is to call attention to the plight of those living in poverty who would be disproportionately hurt by the Republican budget that was passed by the House today. Congresswoman Hirono's Washington and Hawaii staff members are also fasting today.

"The recession has increased the child poverty rate in Hawaii to 13%, its highest level in years. This Reverse Robin Hood budget would drastically cut food programs, Head Start, and child care for families in poverty," said Congresswoman Hirono. "Today my staff and I are fasting in solidarity with the 50 million people in America who do not know where their next meal is coming from."

The Republican budget includes drastic cuts to education, workforce training, housing, healthcare, and food stamps. It basically ends Medicare as we know it and eliminates the Affordable Care Act, which is closing the Medicare prescription drug "donut hole." This will result in additional hardship for low-income seniors.

Participating House Members are doing a "relay fast," with each one abstaining from eating for a day before passing the responsibility to another representative.

Congressional leaders also fasting include: Representatives Joe Baca (D-CA), Karen Bass (D-CA), Andre Carson (D-IN), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Susan Davis (D-CA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Donna Edwards (D-MD), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Sam Farr (D-CA), Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Mike Honda (D-CA), Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Barbara Lee (D-CA), John Lewis (D-GA), Jim McDermott (D-WA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).

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