-- Randy's Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

Over 47 Million Americans Now Participate in the Food Stamp Program

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that over 47 million Americans take part in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program. A recent study found that the number of individuals on food stamps exceeds the populations of 24 states and the District of Columbia. As more people are added to the program every day, this system is becoming increasingly expensive to taxpayers, costing $72 billion in fiscal year 2011. 

SNAP is a valuable program for people who have fallen on hard times and need help feeding their families while they get back on their feet.  However, government benefits must be reserved specifically for our most vulnerable citizens. We must ensure that taxpayer dollars are only going to those truly in need of assistance.  Congress is expected to pass a new Farm Bill before the end of the year, about 80 percent of which is now focused on food stamp policy. I am working to ensure this bill will reform this program to close loopholes and stop abuse and inefficiencies. 

Supreme Court Will Consider DOMA This Week

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court will review five cases that seek to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman and became law in 1996. These meetings will be held to determine whether or not to put these cases on the court’s schedule in 2013. I believe in the traditional definition of marriage, which consists of a union between a man and a woman. The institution of marriage has proven vital to the existence of society and to raising and protecting children. I hope the Supreme Court upholds the Defense of Marriage Act, which I will continue to fervently support if this issue should come to the House Floor.

STEM Jobs Bill

This week, Congress will consider the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Jobs Act. These fields are the driving force behind America’s global competitiveness and we must maintain our edge if we want our economy to grow and prosper in the future.  Unfortunately, outdated immigration policies are hindering our ability to attract the most talented workforce.  

We can’t afford to lose our edge by letting our competitors hire away the most educated workers.  American companies need to be leaders in technology and science to compete in the economy of the future. Otherwise, our nation will be left behind. The STEM Jobs Act would enable us to be more selective about matching our policies to our workforce needs. The STEM Act not only keeps America competitive, but it helps grow our economy so there are more jobs for everyone.

Action Item of the Week

This week, the House will consider H.R. 6328, the Clothe a Homeless Hero Act, which I will support. This bill would give unclaimed clothing recovered at airport security checkpoints to local veteran organizations and other local charitable organizations for needy veterans and their families. This is a small thing that we can do to continue to take care of our veterans, who have bravely served and protected our country.