Rep. Fudge Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution

Statement

Today, Representative Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement on House passage of the Continuing Resolution:

"I am pleased the House passed a Continuing Resolution to avoid a government shutdown amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I am particularly proud the measure includes $8 billion in nutrition assistance, including several key provisions I championed to ensure children and families do not go hungry as we address the public health crisis.

"The extension and expansion of Pandemic EBT will ensure remote learners and children impacted by childcare closures will have access to nutritious meals during the school day. Equally important, the bill extends the U.S. Department of Agriculture's authority to extend emergency school meal waivers through the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. With around 17 million children not getting enough to eat this summer, these child nutrition provisions will go a long way towards alleviating the child hunger crisis we currently face.

"I am also pleased to see the bill includes my Emergency SNAP Flexibilities Extension Act to give states additional flexibility to process surges in SNAP applications. Eliminating administrative barriers is a common-sense way to help families put food on the table during this time of unprecedented struggling.

"While I am happy the bill provides much-needed relief for our nation's farmers, hurt by both the Presidents trade war and the pandemic, I am deeply troubled by the Administration's mismanagement of the Commodity Credit Corporation. After robbing Peter to pay Paul, the USDA called on Congress to replenish the very taxpayer dollars it squandered. Fortunately, Democrats were successful in securing restrictions for this funding to prevent any further waste, fraud and abuse, but further congressional oversight is still needed.

"This compromise will help to keep the government open, but it is no substitute for a comprehensive coronavirus relief package. I call on Senate Republicans to pass this bill and then come back to the negotiating table to address the full scale of this crisis and meet the needs of families, businesses and communities who need help most."

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