Response to Tom Cotton

October 29, 2013

 

Dear Mr. Cotton,

You are right, we do not see eye to eye on hunger or poverty,

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The Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act (H.R. 3102),

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This bill would encourage work and personal responsibility by applying work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. It would also eliminate a wasteful policy that pays bonuses to state governments that enroll more people in food stamps, motivating states to waive income and asset tests in order to get more federal dollars.

 

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If people had jobs that paid a living wage which you opposed by the way, people would not need food stamps or any other assistance. Telling people that they must work is the dumbest thing I've heard you propose since you first ran for office.  Most of those applying for assistance HAVE FULL TIME JOBS or are WORKING 2 or more jobs.

Get real, Mr. Cotton, this is reality for many Americans. Going hungry should NOT be a part of that equation.

Sincerely,

Judy Ladd

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Dear Judy:

 

Thank you for contacting me about issues of importance to you--of particular interest are your concerns with the food-stamp program (also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding.    It's good to hear from you, as always. 

  

Like you, I am saddened that so many Americans—47 million—now rely on food stamps.   In our struggling economy, hunger is a very real problem for too many Americans.    I believe that certain safety net programs for struggling citizens are an important service that the government provides.    Though perhaps more important are the similar efforts of private groups: charities, religious organizations, and community food banks.    As the Old Testament reminds us, the poor will always be among us and we should endeavor to help them freely. 

I believe that we must consider the federal programs that provide this help, such as food stamps, with a fiscally prudent approach.    As we are seeing with the deprivations in some European countries, the federal government simply cannot keep spending money that it doesn't have, or financial markets may lose faith in our ability to manage our debt, precipitating an even greater economic crisis than we've seen in recent years.    Such a fiscal crisis could imperil  all  of our social programs, threatening assistance for millions of people most in need. 

The Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act (H.R. 3102), introduced by Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK), passed in the House last week, addresses necessary reforms to the food-stamp program, saving billions of dollars while ensuring the truly needy receive aid. This bill would encourage work and personal responsibility by applying work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. It would also eliminate a wasteful policy that pays bonuses to state governments that enroll more people in food stamps, motivating states to waive income and asset tests in order to get more federal dollars. 

I understand that we may not see eye-to-eye on this issue, but I trust you'll understand my principled disagreement. I look forward to working together on other matters of shared principle in the future. Please be assured that I will support efforts to reform the program along these lines to eradicate fraud and promote opportunity for all, while helping the truly needy. 

I'm truly honored to serve as your representative—please know that your interests and affairs have my unceasing attention.    Always feel free to call my office at (202) 225-3772 or visit  www.cotton.house.gov  . 

Sincerely,

Tom Cotton
Member of Congress