(Washington) – Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement today on the passage of H.R. 3102, the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013, by the U.S. House of Representatives:

"Today, our fears were realized as Congress passed a damaging bill that threatens to starve our children, seniors and veterans.

"By voting to cut $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and denying food aid to nearly 4 million Americans, Republicans continue to ignore the needs of our most vulnerable populations, and instead opt to punish those who are still struggling to find work at a time of high unemployment.

"Hunger advocates, faith organizations and farm groups alike stood firmly opposed to today's bill. I continue to stand with those who understand the harmful impact of this legislation, and hope we can agree on a bipartisan bill that restores these devastating cuts."

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