Congressman Garamendi Slams Donald Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill” for Slashing Food from Millions of Californians

Fairfield, CA — Today, U.S. Representative John Garamendi held a press conference at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to call out President Trump’s so-called “Big Ugly Bill,” which will raise food costs and enact the largest cut to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the program’s history—taking food away from 3 million California families.

“Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans’ so-called ‘Big Ugly Bill’ steals food from the mouths of millions of California’s children,” said Congressman Garamendi. “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) supports more than 40 million Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, and working parents. There are over 100,000 beneficiaries in my district alone.

“Trump’s proposed cuts will drive up the cost of food while worsening poverty and hunger among children, older adults, and people with disabilities. All of this is being done to hand billionaires a massive tax break.

“I’m grateful to organizations like the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, which are on the frontlines of fighting hunger and need more support now than ever.

“Next November, Californians should remember who voted for this cruel bill: Dave Valadao, Kevin Kiley, Tom McClintock, Ken Calvert, Doug LaMalfa, and Young Kim. These six California Republicans chose to take food from children in order to give billionaires another tax cut. Voters should hold them accountable.”

“The cuts to CalFresh/SNAP in the recent bill are a major step backward in the fight against hunger and represent the largest reduction in the program’s history. These cuts will take food off the tables of children, seniors, and working families who need it most and no food bank has the resources to fill a gap of this scale," said Caitlin Sly, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Contra Costa. "That’s why it is essential that we come together to advocate for stronger safety nets that truly support our community members.”

This press conference was Congressman John Garamendi’s second stop of the day. Earlier that morning, he joined Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center to call out Donald Trump’s ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ harmful cuts to Californians’ healthcare.

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