Rep. Robert Hurt Votes to Strengthen Work Requirements in Nutrition Program

 

Washington, DC: Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 3102, the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act:

 

"I was proud to support the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act, a bill that institutes comprehensive reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  Not only does this legislation restore the integrity of this safety-net program and encourage beneficiaries to become more self-sufficient, but it will also ensure that the benefits are available to those who need them most.

 

"By restoring the intent of the bipartisan welfare reforms adopted in 1996 by President Clinton and Republicans in Congress, this legislation helps get Virginia and America back to work.  Further, the reforms will generate at least $40 billion in savings for taxpayers over the next ten years by addressing waste, fraud, and abuse and the loopholes in the current program. The passage of this legislation in the House of Representatives is a tremendous step forward in tackling our mounting national debt and putting us on a path to fiscal solvency.

 

"At a time when our national debt is close to topping $17 trillion, it is critical that we in Washington do everything we can to reduce our out of control spending and ensure that hardworking taxpayers' dollars are used wisely.  This includes advancing legislation that eradicates waste, fraud, and abuse and streamlines current programs so that they are viable for future generations.

 

"Our priority is to facilitate and allow for the growth and success of our Main Street businesses and family farmers so that they can create jobs for people who need them.  This bill encourages getting America and Virginia back to work, which is the ultimate goal."

 

H.R. 3102, the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013:

• Increases oversight of SNAP and improves quality of SNAP-approved stores;
• Eliminates the ability of individuals to be deemed "categorically eligible" when they don't meet the income or asset requirements for public assistance;
• Eliminates state performance bonuses;
• Empowers states to engage able-bodied parents in work and job training as part of receiving food stamps; and
• Prevents states and USDA from advertising for SNAP.