“SNAP is a true lifeline, and this is a matter of life and death. If Republicans have their way, this reconciliation bill will increase hunger and food insecurity.”

Pressley Also Introduced Amendments to Demand Transparency, Protect Federal Workers’ Pensions, Defend Veterans & People with Disabilities

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s markup of the Republican reconciliation bill, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) slammed Republicans for their complicity and willingness to allow hunger and food insecurity to skyrocket by supporting the bill’s proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In response to Rep. Lateefah Simon’s (CA-12) amendment to restrict the reduction of SNAP, Congresswoman Pressley demanded Republicans answer to the families who would go hungry by way of this reconciliation bill – and she was met with silence.

Congresswoman Pressley also introduced several amendments to the legislation to better reveal who would be harmed by the bill and to defend hard-earned benefits for veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Congresswoman Pressley’s amendments to the reconciliation bill would:

• Ensure that federal workers who are veterans or have disabilities can keep their FERS annuity supplement – a critical, earned benefit that helps bridge the gap between early retirement and the start of Social Security.
• Direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to expose how this bill will impact people across the federal workforce – including women, older Americans, workers of color, veterans, and workers with disabilities – who dedicate their lives to delivering essential services in communities across the country.

Republicans rejected every amendment proposed by Pressley and her Democratic colleagues.

A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks in response to Rep. Simon’s amendment on SNAP is available below and video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Demands Answers to Republican Proposed SNAP Cuts that Would Increase Hunger, Instead is Met with Silence

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

April 30, 2025

Congresswoman Simon, I’m so glad that you’re here. 

I always say the people closest to the pain should be closest to the power. You have been closest to the pain, and we are so glad that you were here. 

You never forget the plot, and the plot is the people. 

I appreciate the Congresswoman for introducing this amendment. 

SNAP is a true lifeline, and this is a matter of life and death.

If Republicans have their way, this reconciliation bill will increase hunger and food insecurity.

More than 42 million Americans – 42 million – participate in SNAP each month. This includes 16.9 million children, 4.5 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans. Over 1.1 million people in Massachusetts rely on SNAP.

Let’s talk about economic impact.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in economic activity.

SNAP dollars help to pay the wages of grocery store clerks, of truckers who deliver food, manufacturers who make food packaging, and the farmer who grows food.

There is nothing efficient about making people hungrier and sicker. 

Is there any single Republican who is willing to speak out to make sure that children, people with disabilities and veterans, do not go hungry? 

Anyone? 

Silence.

This bill is a shame and a sham. 

###