Senator Gillibrand: Protecting the Vulnerable

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June 1, 2012

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
United States Senate
478 Russell Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Gillibrand:

We are writing to thank you for your work in the Agriculture Committee to bring attention to the issue of hunger. We commend your willingness to stand up for the most vulnerable in our society during the committee’s debate on S. 3240, the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012.

As you well know, the Senate Agriculture Committee passed the Farm Bill which includes a $4.5 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If finally enacted, CBO estimates that 500,000 low-income households nationwide —disproportionally seniors and people with disabilities—will lose an average of $90 in monthly benefits. At a time of record unemployment and high rates of documented food insecurity, we agree that this country should be strengthening programs like SNAP, not cutting them.

As an organization founded on Quaker values, we believe strongly in creating an equitable society in which all people can meet at least their basic needs. As the richest country in the world, the U.S. has the ability to eliminate hunger. As Congress looks for ways to decrease deficit spending, it should not look to the most vulnerable and hungry people in this country to bear that burden.

We strongly support efforts to amend S. 3240 to restore the $4.5 billion cut to SNAP, and hope that you will have an opportunity to offer such an amendment on the Senate floor.

Sincerely,

Ruth Flower
Associate Executive Secretary for Legislative Programs
Friends Committee on National Legislation