Rogers Votes For Nutrition Reform & Work Opportunity Act

Statement

U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) released the following statement about his vote for the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013 (H.R. 3102), which passed the House on Thursday, September 19, 2013.

"SNAP desperately needs reform and restructuring, but I recognize this is a vital program for transitioning families in southern and eastern Kentucky. Under President Obama's watch 1.7 million more able-bodied adults have started collecting federal food aid. Without Congressional consent, the President also removed bipartisan common-sense work requirements to maintain eligibility.

"This has forced struggling children, seniors, veterans, and families, clearly in need of assistance, to compete against scammers, lottery winners, gamblers and others who may be able to work, but simply refuse. H.R. 3102 seeks to correct these abuses and errors without cutting food assistance to our neighbors who need help the most.

"If you're a laid off coal miner seeking work, your family will still be eligible. If you are disabled, food assistance is there. If you're in need of temporary aid as you are struggling in this economy, SNAP is within reach. If you're able-bodied, under 50 and without dependents, but diligently looking for work, you can count on food aid. And if jobs are lacking in your area, community service is an option to keep your SNAP benefits.

"With the President's weak economic policies, relentless War on Coal and more than 6,200 eastern Kentucky coal miners looking for work, it's more important than ever for SNAP dollars to go where they are truly needed. H.R. 3102 helps us do that without diminishing our vital safety net of Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, veterans' benefits, and housing and energy assistance.

"As this bill heads to a House-Senate Conference for further modification, I will be sure to protect the Fifth District from reductions that could hurt our neediest neighbors."

Rogers has served Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia's natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers.

Source