Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement Friday upon the announcement from COSTCO that it would accept Food Stamps at its new location in East Harlem.

"I want to applaud COSTCO and its CEO Jim Sinegal for making the decision to accept Food Stamps at its new location in East Harlem.  The potential for a great working relationship is there and we all look forward to eventual opening of the E. 116th Street location, one that will be able to provide all community residents with quality products at affordable prices.

"This victory could not have happened without the hard work of al those that helped sound the alarm on this important issue.  So I want to thank all the community advocates and elected officials who have worked on this issue for the last two years, including New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, City Councilmember Eric Gioia. I especially want to thank those who worked hard this week to ensure that the voice of East Harlem was not lost, especially officials like Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, New York State Senators Jose Serrano and Bill Perkins and City Council members Inez Dickens and Melissa Mark-Viverito.

"These are tough economic times, times that sometimes force proud individuals to seek assistance from their government to help them get their life back on track. However, by working together, we will get through this crisis, get our community back to work and ensure that our economy provides long -term opportunities for all of its citizens."

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