Valadao Fights to Protect SNAP Benefits for Central Valley

Press Release

Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) broke with party ranks, voting against Republican legislation to implement substantial reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits Program (SNAP).

Administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, and distributed by individual states, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal aid program intended to provide financial assistance for low and no income individuals to purchase food. In recent years, program costs have skyrocketed due to lax eligibility requirements and increased fraud and abuse within the system.

Republican sponsored H.R. 3102, the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act aims to address these concerns by enacting changes in eligibility requirements for SNAP Benefits, therefore saving the federal government approximately $40 billion in savings over the next ten years.

"The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits Program is extremely important to my constituents in the Central Valley. Without this assistance many in my District would be unable to feed their families," Congressman Valadao stated. "I recognize that there are problems with the SNAP program and while I believe reforms to the SNAP Program are necessary to ensure that those who truly need assistance receive it, I do not believe in making drastic changes to this program during a time of such great economic uncertainty without giving states flexibility enforcing proposed requirements. Portions of my district are suffering from more than 30% unemployment, making it nearly impossible for many to find work despite their best efforts. It is unfair to the American people for Congress to implement policies containing work requirements when our national economy is severely suffering."

Congressman Valadao continued, "What is most important is that we improve our economy and ensure all Americans can find employment opportunities so that they may continue to feed their families. I will continue to make sure Central Valley families have access to the crucial programs they depend on."

The legislation passed in the House of Representatives by 217-210. Congressman Valadao was 1 of 15 Republicans to vote against the legislation.

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