MAZON Livid and Heartbroken by Largest Cuts to SNAP in History
Following narrow passage in both the House and Senate, President Trump and Republicans in Congress succeeded in their cruel effort to force through wildly unpopular policies that will harm millions of Americans by slashing basic food assistance programs by hundreds of billions of dollars. In response, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger expressed its outrage.
MAZON President & CEO Abby J. Leibman slammed the bill in clear terms:
“The shameful budget reconciliation bill passed by Republicans in Congress today is one of the most reckless pieces of legislation in a generation. The seismic changes made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — the largest cuts in history — will leave millions of Americans in the lurch without means to keep food on the table.
“Despite the political theatrics throughout this ridiculous process, no one believes this bill will actually reduce waste, fraud, and abuse. In contrast, we all know that what it will do — leave literally millions of Americans without access to food. It will make it virtually impossible for states to participate in SNAP through its shifting of federal responsibilities to state budgets. Simply put, this bill is a blatant attack on the 42 million Americans who utilize SNAP to feed themselves and their families every day; including veterans, single mothers, those who are homeless and children aging out of foster care.
“This is a dark, dark moment for our country, and for each and every member of Congress who voted for this bill. Shame on you for claiming to care about the basic needs of your constituents one moment just to throw them overboard the next. History will remember this moment accordingly.
“All of us at MAZON are heartbroken and we are livid — both by the demoralizing policies that just passed and by the despicable process in which they were advanced. In the weeks and months ahead, we will do all we can to mitigate the devastating impact of this bill. We are as committed as ever to ensuring that no one in this country goes hungry because of morally bankrupt political decisions made to benefit a handful of the wealthiest among us.”