Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013

Floor Speech

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Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act, H.R. 2642.

Mr. Speaker, I refuse to vote for a FARM Bill that omits SNAP.

SNAP is America's first line of defense against hunger.

Its benefits improve nutrition, health, and increases the food-purchasing power of low-income households.

To move forward with a FARM bill that does not include this funding is a shameful abandonment of the most vulnerable people who live in our country.

The program has wide-reaching effects for the individuals participating in the program, their communities, and the entire nation.

My constituents have been clear.

Mothers have told me that without SNAP they cannot feed their children.

Many seniors, disabled individuals and veterans have told me that without SNAP, they will not eat.

How can we allow our children and those in need to starve?

How can we allow our seniors to go hungry?

I cannot and will not vote to harm our nation's most vulnerable.

I will not turn my back on low-income families, children, seniors and the disabled.

I will not vote for a FARM bill that omits SNAP and threatens the lives of American families, children and seniors.

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