Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), citing cuts to food assistance programs, joined progressive opposition to a compromise budget bill to avert default on the nation’s debt.
“I voted no on the budget agreement,” said Hayes in a statement following approval in the House of Representatives on May 31. “I acknowledge and recognize the immense consequences of default, and do not take this vote lightly, but food security has been and will remain a hard line for me.”
President Biden will sign bipartisan legislation called the “Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023” that will avert default and avert deeper cuts to domestic programs proposed by Republicans.
Rep. Hayes joined two others in Connecticut’s five-member House delegation voting no, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3) and Rep. John Larson (D-1). Rep. Joe Courtney (D-2) and Rep. Jim Himes (D-4) voted for the budget deal that received more Democratic votes than Republican in House passage.
“We are not in the position of a $31 trillion-dollar national debt because of $6 per person per day in food benefits, but as a result of broader tax loopholes. I cannot in good conscience support a legislative package that rips food out of the mouths of our most vulnerable and trades one group of marginalized people for another, with no mention of revisiting tax cuts for the rich, said Hayes.
“The Bipartisan Budget Agreement threatens long-term repercussions, creating wider disparities amongst those already food insecure. Most alarming, I fear this is not the last we will see of attacks to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). This agreement puts nutrition programs at even greater risk in the Farm Bill and appropriations process. The provisions in this bill do not offer significant savings or reduce the deficit, yet time after time when concessions are needed it is at the expense of the poorest communities who have no one to stand up for them.
“The reality is defense funding is increased while domestic funding – the programs that directly help people, will be held flat without any inflationary considerations. I am aware it may be an unpopular opinion, but I firmly believe all people should eat – without exceptions. I will continue my efforts through the normal legislative process to advocate for legislation that moves us closer to a place where hunger is no longer an issue.”
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