NEW YORK, June 22 -- Rep. Charles B. Rangel, D-N.Y. (15th CD), issued the following news release:

Congressman Charles B. Rangel issued the following statement after the Senate approved by a 2-1 margin on Thursday, the $498 billion five-year farm bill that would cut almost all traditional farm subsidies while expanding a costly crop insurance program by cutting crop subsidies, conservation funding and food stamps for the poor:

"If passed, the Farm Bill will cut $4.5 billion from the SNAP, leading to an estimated 500,000 people nationwide losing almost $100 in SNAP benefits each month. This is the wrong time to deprive over 40 million people nationwide who rely on food stamps to provide food for their families. In 2010, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fed approximately three million New Yorkers, over 200,000 of these people residing here in New York's 15th district.

I appreciate Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in putting up a valiant effort to protect SNAP benefits. Despite the bill being passed, she has diligently worked to improve upon the conditions of the Farm Bill by not only to save SNAP benefits, but also to strengthen our specialty crops and support our fisherman suffering from the aftermath of a disaster. I support the stalwart leadership exhibited by Senator Gillibrand in fighting this bill, and share in her disappointment in the defeat of her amendment to restore food stamp funding.

It simply does not make sense to cut the lifeline from millions of Americans when so many are already struggling to stay afloat. While it is important that this country saves money, gutting ten billion dollars from conservation and SNAP funding is absolutely unacceptable. I believe that we have a moral obligation to help those who are most vulnerable among us. I will not only vote against this bill when it comes to the House floor, but continue to oppose any future legislation that takes away the essential needs from the American people."

TNS hc11-120623-JF78-3922206 StaffFurigay