DeLauro Calls for SNAP Benefits to be Reinstated for More Than a Half a Million Americans

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding news that hundreds of thousands of Americans would lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, as a result of states imposing time and work requirements.

“At a time when millions of Americans are still recovering from the Great Recession, we cannot take away one of the most critical lifelines we have in lifting people out of poverty. Food insecurity affects Americans of every age and eliminating SNAP benefits simply because someone has still not found work is unconscionable.

“While the economy continues to grow, we cannot fail to recognize how the recession continues to affect people across the country. From veterans who have returned from serving overseas, to older adults who lost a job just before retirement, these Americans are struggling to find work and depend on SNAP. Eliminating these benefits does nothing to enable these individuals to find work; it only makes their lives harder. I urge my colleagues to join me in standing up for our country’s most vulnerable and ensuring that they maintain their SNAP eligibility.”