Washington, D.C. - Today the House Committee on Agriculture began a full-scale review of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Committee heard from University of Maryland welfare scholar Doug Besharov on the past, present, and future of the nation's largest program in the domestic hunger safety net.
"SNAP has grown from a relatively small pilot program to the second largest federal welfare program, quadrupling in spending since 2001," Chairman Conaway said. "Everyone from recipients to taxpayers deserves an efficient program with a clearly defined mission. That's why the Committee, over the coming months, will thoroughly examine this program and gain a full understanding of its purpose, goal, and participants. The program itself has largely not changed in the last 30 years, despite significant changes in the nation's economy and the socioeconomic makeup of the American population."
"We can all agree that no one ought to go hungry in America, and SNAP is essential in protecting the most vulnerable citizens during tough times. For many it is a vital lifeline to keeping food on the table. What we don’t want is for this program to hold people back from achieving their potential. I believe there is a role for SNAP, but we need to have a complete and clear understanding of its mission and purpose."
