News from Congressman Eliot Engel

Engel Signs on as Original Cosponsor of the Protect SNAP Act

Legislation introduced to fight new Trump Admin. rule that cuts SNAP benefits for 700k people

 Congressman Eliot Engel has signed on as an original cosponsor of the Protect SNAP Act, legislation introduced today which would restore and protect the current regulations surrounding able-bodied SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients, as well as prevent the use of funds to carry out a new Trump Administration rule that would drastically cut SNAP eligibility.

SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. Earlier this week, the Trump Administration announced a new rule that would create work requirements for SNAP recipients. The move would result in nearly 700,000 people losing SNAP benefits.

“As I said when this move was announced, slashing SNAP benefits for nearly 700,000 people during the holiday season is beyond heartless,” Engel stated. “Time and again the Trump Administration has demonstrated its willingness to hurt the most vulnerable among us. Whether its trying to take away health care or trying to take away food, they don’t care how many people are made to needlessly suffer. House Democrats are once again fighting back against this cruel Administration with the introduction of the Protect SNAP Act, which will undo this new rule and allow families who need it most to continue putting food on their tables. President Trump may be fine allowing people to starve, but I’m not. I’m proud to join this bill as original cosponsor.”

The Protect SNAP Act was authored by Reps. Barbara Lee and Rosa L. DeLauro.

Engel Statement on Passage of H.R.4 the Voting Rights Advancement Act

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel issued the following statement on today’s House passage of H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act, legislation he was an original cosponsor of that would protect minority groups in states that have recently worked to suppress voting rights:

“The right to vote is sacred and must not be infringed upon. Sadly, our nation has a long and even bloody history of racial voter suppression, but lately that suppression has been super charged by the terrible Shelby County v. Holder decision. That case gutted key protections of the Voting Rights Act and since that decision in 2013, states have implemented measures to prevent certain groups from accessing the ballot through voter ID laws, closing polling locations, and even purging voter rolls.

“We can’t stand still and allow these conservative state legislatures to destroy our democracy. I am proud to help pass H.R. 4 today, as it represents a major step toward ensuring every citizen has the ability to vote. The bill develops a process for states that have made discriminatory changes in their election procedures, forcing them to receive preclearance with the Department of Justice before the changes take effect. It would undoubtedly curtail and prevent the spread of discriminatory voting practices used in many states, but we can do even more to ensure fair and free elections.

“I have introduced a Constitutional Amendment to overhaul our elections, H.J.Res. 9. My amendment takes a comprehensive approach to fixing our voting system, by abolishing the electoral college, making election day a national holiday, automatically registering voters at 18-years-old, and outlawing political gerrymandering. It’s time we leveled the playing field for all Americans when it comes to the right to vote.”