Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) heard from local organizations and recipients of vital nutrition assistance that keep Washington communities fed and healthy on Jan. 24 at Hopelink in Redmond.

According to a press release, House Republicans are expected to release their 2018 farm bill as early as March. It is widely expected that deep cuts will be made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) has also said he’d like to add work requirements on those who receive nutrition assistance, even when unemployment levels are at a record low.

DelBene has introduced the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Work Opportunity Act to ensure those looking for work don’t lose vital nutrition assistance, the press release reads. She helped shepherd passage of the 2014 Farm Bill by serving on the conference committee. Using criteria from Washington’s successful Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program, DelBene included $200 million for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) competitive grant pilot programs to expand job-training opportunities for recipients of federal nutrition assistance in 10 states – including Washington. She has also cosponsored the Stop Child Summer Hunger Act to provide families with nutrition assistance during the summer.

Following the roundtable, DelBene participated in a Sound Transit tour of the new light rail project site in Redmond.