Rep. Clarke Supports Measure with Assurances from the White House

Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement after the House passed S. 3307, Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act also known as the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act (CNR):

“Today, I voted in support of the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act (CNR). I believe it is important to ensure that we provide our children access to healthy food choices at school, and as a member of the House Education and Labor Committee it is my duty to ensure our kids a healthy and hunger free lifestyle. Under this legislation, New York will receive almost $17.5 million in funding for nutritious school lunches,” stated Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

Nearly 1,813,000 of New York’s children participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) each year and will receive healthier school meals provided through this reauthorization.

“Unfortunately, this legislation contains cuts to future Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which provides assistance for over 40 million of the most vulnerable Americans, including many in the 11th Congressional District of New York,” added Rep. Clarke.

“This week, I was able to sit down with White House officials who shared my concerns about cuts to the SNAP program that are included in the child nutrition bill. In the meeting, the President stepped in and assured us that the White House would work to save and restore these funds. As a manifestation of his commitment, the President will attach a signing statement to the CNR bill expressing his commitment to restore the SNAP funding. With their assurances, dedication and strong statement of support of this essential program, I supported the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act,” conclude Rep. Yvette D. Clarke.

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