Transcripts For CSPAN2 House Subcommittee Hearing On Veteran Food Insecurity 20240713

Insecurity among nearly 20 million veterans and provide nutrition assistance to those in need. Specifically todays hearing will focus on how veterans access to nutritional resources and how recent policy changes impact of thimpacted the availaf resources and how congress can more effectively support public and nonpublic agencies that seek to end veteran hunger, so critically important. This continues the subcommittees efforts to the economic factors that contribute to the veteran suicide our subcommittee works and a bipartisan way to strengthen education and job Training Programs for veterans can get a good job but unfortunately that isnt always the outcome the joblessness result wil. When that occurs, nutrition resources should and must be made readily available. However, the committee is concerned about decisions are being made regarding the resources without really considering the impact on veterans. At ththe subcommittee and congrs a whole need to know how the usda consider the effect on veterans as they propose recoup three changes limiting access to the programs last year. If they were not considered, we must understand why they felt that it was unnecessary or that they were unable to do so it is essential that we help the veterans secure them. Theyve screened millions but its unclear how that policy is being carried out and what they are doing when they are identified. The federal and state programs that assist veterans are experiencing hunger can only be utilized if they are aware of them. This is a particularly fitting matter for the subcommittee would spend this congress on policies to improve veterans economic outcomes and ultimately their overall wellness. We have a responsibility to ensure no veteran. Fullstop and the cracks and i look forward to hearing the testimony from Witnesses Today to do just that. I recognize my friend with whom ive worked on a bipartisan basis for five minutes for an opening statement. I want to thank the witnesses as well Food Security for veterans is an essential component and Food Insecurity can be a contributing factor that can be detrimental to a persons Mental Health. Its important for us to evaluate the way we are providing security to ensure that its being provided in the most effective manner to help those who need it the most. Neither of us signed the personal responsibility reconciliation act of 1996 also known as the welfare reform act of 1996 whether that was a bipartisan bill and a good bill in my opinion. But right now states are bypassing the original intent and this was a bipartisan effort to require a work or training for work in exchange for the time related Financial Assistance and also included as a means to reduce the fiscal burden on the federal government and prevent what we now call a multigenerational poverty so we want to prevent most poverty something but again thats what we should be striving for and i know that is your goal as well. The eligibility allows the states to circumvent and ask them to have Assistance Programs to benefit based on nothing more than an individual receiving a brochure currently u at 2. 9 million ablebodied adults without these methods that participate or not working and the number of people currently participating still exceed the previous session levels and i would like to hear from our panel today on why they think this is happening today with such a low Unemployment Rate why are we seeing so many purchase of continuing to not work with live on these benefits . I would also like to hear from the panel weighs the congress can help lift these people out of poverty and allow them to prosper. With that being said, the Unemployment Rate is now 3. 6 with the veteran Unemployment Rate mr. Chairman and it is obvious the economy is booming. Americans are returning to work in record numbers and encouraging employment is the foundation for the authorization of the program which is why im supportive of the administrations rule on ablebodied adults that implement the work requirements from 1996 held up as the supply we know surprisingly very well about how the program affects veterans. We simply do not have the idea on the veteran using this program or help relevant to become prevalent. You were not here last congress so you may not be aware that despite requests from our side of the aisle the federal government still doesnt require states to conduct meaningful Data Collection on the participants including tracking veteran. I know we have those that are having a hard time because i participated in those standout programs at least on a yearly basis if not tracking the information both congress and the department of agriculture they are left in the dark about how to improve this program. I would like to work with you and our colleagues on the House Agricultural Committee to address the issue by putting in place the requirement for states to track the benefits for veterans and our heroes. My priority, and i know it is yours as well some states already do this but not all. Im grateful to the witnesses for giving an opportunity particularly those involved in the program and i look forward to entering what they believe works, doesnt work and how we can empower those that involve these programs to ensure no one that has served our country goes hungry. That is the bottom line and that is our goal and i think you for holding this hearing and i would yield back the balance of my time. I think the Ranking Member for his remarks and i also have participated in the stand down programs in my district and appreciate the objectives here and look forward to working in a bipartisan basis with acute and would like to recognize my friend the outstanding turn in on the House Veterans Affairs committee for his opening remarks. I was concerned by the changes that took place last year and how particularly if what impact veterans but also active duty, guard and reserve. The guard reservists particularly often face employment challenges, so we need to find out more. We need better data. As with the chair ma chairman ay members of congress, joined in sending the letter to senator on may 242019 reflecting the many concerns without good data we dont know the scope of the program and we need the data that can be done in conjunction with these appointments, but also other interactions like awards, changes in benefits with also local populations by comus students and the Homeless Population students and transitioning veterans. Many questions exist. So i do appreciate you joining us this morning. We are very concerned about how the changes in terms of the benefits are going to affect the foundations veterans active duty guard and reservists. Thank you and i will yield back. I appreciate your interest in the subject and your continued leadership, that brings us to the witnesses. We have two panelists with us today the first representing the administration and the second is made up of nongovernmental policy experts. First i want to think the usda for joining us on this important topic. From the usda we have the administrator for the food and Nutrition Service. We also have doctor tomas the senior medical adviser at the providence va medical center, thanks for being here. Hes accompanied by christine, the cochairperson of the pas ensuring veterans Food Security work great. As you know you will have five minutes for your statement with your full written statement will be added to the record and with that, administrator and yo admiw recognized for five minutes. Make sure your microphone is on. Thank you, mr. Chairman, Ranking Member and members of the subcommittee. Im a administrator of the usda food and Nutrition Service which is responsible for administering the nations nutrition Assistance Program. Im pleased to be joining my colleagues from the department of Veterans Affairs and appreciate the cooperative relationship we have had in serving veterans together. We all owe a great debt to the veterans who protected and defended our nation. Theyve earned our respect and honor an answers may deserve our support, and if they may face the challenges of life after military service. These programs are not targeted to the veterans specifically, but provides Food Assistance veterans and families may need, particularly in times. The largest program, the supplemental nutrition Assistance Program, or snap, currently serves about 36 million lowincome americans each month. Since the data suggests about 1. 3 million veterans reported receiving snap and 2017. Let me make clear that because the veteran status is not a condition of the snap eligibility, we do not have that status as a part of the data sets that we used to estimate the impact of the rules. Congress debated the collection of the information in the last farm bill and decided that it wasnt necessary or appropriate at this time, so i will focus on the reform. The goal for these actions is to align the program of a statute established by congress to reduce inequities among participants and encourage households towards selfsufficiency. Of those eligible to receive nutrition assistance should be treated fairly across the country read over the years, states policies that compromise consistency with certain standards defined in a statute or by allowing households in one state to be eligible for snap or to receive the benefits more than other states. Last month, the usda finalized a final rule to help more ablebodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 who do not have dependent or promising futures to the job training and employment. Is a robust economy, unemployment at a 50 year low of 3. 5 if more than 7. 3 million job openings the no better time to engage this group of participants to get the skills they need to be successful in the job market. This doesnt change the requirements for those that were set in the 1996 welfare reform law and that have been unchanged in every bill since. Time limits do not apply to children. Their parents, pregnant women, the mentally or physically disabled or anyone 50 years of age or older. Importantly the disability exception includes veterans who are totally disabled, permanently homebound or in need of a regular attendance. The subject to the Timeless Elements can receive this in a threeyear pair must they are working, volunteering or participating in training such as the Employment Training program or one of the va Work Programs for at least 20 hours a week. These limits account for the fact of all participants were fit for an claimant. States musalignment. States must scream the participants further ability to work and can xm part of the caseload from the time limit of the full discretion as established in the wall. The final rule didnt change any of these policies. What they did this clarify when and where the states may seek to waive time limits for those who do not need these work requirements. Previous regulation regulationss counties with unemployment 2. 5 were waved areas implementing the limits were the job where te available encourages them to realize their potential, have a sense of community and move towards an independent lifestyle. Two other proposals are pending, one would eliminate the loophole called broadbased eligibility, used to provide the benefits without conducting a robust eligibility determination, resulting in the households that exceed the statutory thresholds. The other would modernize the calculation the state standard Utility Allowances are important in calculating the benefit amounts. Under current polic policy and t an elderly person is receiving benefits 2. 5 times as much as an elderly person across the state line in a similar situation simply because of the standard Utility Allowance. Those proposals promote a level Playing Field for the participants with all three barely and consistently. The period for each is closed and analyzing the comments to determine the extent. Other programs also help the veterans and im happy to address those as well. So, in closing i am confident we can provide americans veterans, heroes with the services and support that they deserved, not only a nutritional safety net, but these programs can help launch participants on a path to a Better Health and a better life. Thank you and i am happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you, doctor otoole youre now ready highes nice for opening statement. Good morning chairman, Ranking Member bilirakis and distinguished members of the subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today on ending that are in hunger. I am a cub meat by ms. Christina of the cochair of the ensuring veteran Security Work group. There are three points i want to emphasize. One veteran experiencing Food Insecurity is one too many perk according to the most recent Department Agricultural survey data more than 11 percent of all households in one out of three households have less than 130 percent of the federal Poverty Level to experience Food Insecurity. Despite the robust economy and record low Unemployment Rates we have been experiencing. Among veterans while the overall rate is lower specific populations including younger veterans with families and those with depression and psychiatric illnesses are vulnerable. In one study 27 percent of iraq and Afghanistan War veterans reported Food Insecurity. Another 48. 5 percent of Homeless Veterans lack regular access to food. The consequences of Food Insecurity are substantial and significant. Research has consistently shown the lack between regular access to food diabetes hypertension, and asthma and anxiety and suicidal ideation. It is associated with research reduced activities to be two times more likely to report poor health. Food insecurity is a social determinant that alone not having stable housing to experience violence and others are strong predictors for high risk among veterans federal International Studies have linked Food Insecurity and suicide risk it is within this context i would like to shift we are doing about it. We had the workgroup the program of nonprofit agencies to identify veterans at risk to coordinate resources and initiatives milestones over the past three to half years include implementing Electronic Medical record screening tool to identify Food Insecurity to date 100,000 food insecure veterans have been identified men and women who might otherwise have gone unnoticed streamlining enrollment of veterans through snap including partnering with usda to create veteran specific education materials Training Programs for staff including toolkit to support food insecure veterans onsite or a mobile food pantry there are 57 food pantries in place including the 17 the feeding america pantries that serve 700,000 meals. To conclude eating is a basic human need nobody should be going without food it is a major determinant of health viewed no differently than primary care it is linked to manager friday of Health Conditions not the least of which include Mental Health and suicide risk we are committed to have the highest quality care the veterans deserve going back to the 1921 legislation we have the mandate for the health and wellbeing and the welfare of those we serve well we probably note the progress made to address Food Insecurity there is more we can and will do for veteran hunger we need to increase the number of food pantries to address the urgent need for food to facilitate and snap to ensure more consistent access and address the root causes of Food Insecurity through social determinant of intervention. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today and we are prepared to answer any questions the committee may hav have. I recognize myself for five minutes. I did notice the citation that congress rejected veteran Data Tracking im a freshman member of congress that is true so i was not here but its my understanding that congress rejected the very rules you are here defending today. So i do have a sense of the actions taken by this body as i was sharing the subcommittee. What proportion of those who screen positive for Food Insecurity does v. A. Assist with application assistance or referrals . All screen positive or given positive assistance. With those interventions the registered dietitians engage in the process along with social workers along with social workers who screen positive is offered a consultation with a social worker or dietitian and then the care is customized to what the veteran needs and one is are you currently receiving snap if they are we provide Additional Services if not then we put on assist them to apply. So the v. A. Does monitor participation for those who screen positive. We dont monitor who does or who does not its part of the individual but it is not captured. You do not. How has the v. A. Collaborated to create resources or materials to raise awareness as it exists. We have worked to develop veteran specific material how to apply for snap and also engage nationwide for what is responsible for developing a specific list of resources. Each facility has been asked to establish that based on local resources. It seems to me thats a good start and we could always be doing better. What is preventing the v. A. To take more proactive efforts for those who screen positive for Food Insecurity . I would agree theres always more we can do. Thats one of the efforts and activities we are actively engaged in with the workgroup we clearly need to be as proactive to connect veterans to services but to ensure the consequences of Food Insecurity that may be manifested are also concurrently addressed. Administrator miller considering the proposed rule for snap time limits, did you consult or analyze the impact on veterans and if so, how many did you determine would be impacted . We have data that would encompass the entire snap population as they put forth the rules with that Impact Analysis we looked at our entire population how they would be affected and it does include veterans but we dont have specific data sets because congress has not given that authority to collect. Did you consult with v. A. We did not. Part of the snap Population Data Set we collect we dont have the data because its not a condition of eligibility we are not able to specifically assess that. Thats important to understand what about the categorical eligibility . The answer is the same we look at the impact on the population but if congress were willing to engage in Technical Assistance to have a conversation then certainly we are happy to do so. I assume it is the same for a standard Utility Allowance . Despite the fact you dont have the congressional authorization with the dialogue with the v. A. You knew your own statement was one. 3 million veterans. So you know veterans were a uniquely Important Community as part of the stat program. Our program serves all low income americans who need assistance so they would have been captured for the entire population. So veterans have no difficult or additional importance given their service to our nation even if a phone call to v. A. Was warranted . We want to serve all low income americans including veteran. So the answer is no. We did not contact v. A. I will yield to the Ranking Member. We are interested in better Data Collection for veterans what is the most efficient way to gather that information . The best way is through the snap application process. And to have more data. But to require the application as a condition of eligibility that requires a statutory change and thats what we are lacking at this point. Would take an act of congress to collect that information like the usda requires . It would be adding a condition of eligibility to the application thats a statutory change. We are embarking on a study which is a survey to include a question to help us understand veteran status. We are embarking on that now to help us get to some of that data without changing the application process. So if they find that useful . Yes that would be useful. Uletter s ca just finalize finalized, why does usda believe that criteria for the state mandate for snap need to be changed . We have seen right now with a very robust economy there are more Jobs Available than people who are seeking jobs. This is an opportunity to engage the ablebodied adults with the resources to help them get into their career field. We have the Training Program we can also work through the v. A. Program in federal and state and local partners to engage this population. We have seen areas of Unemployment Rates of two and a half percent so we think this is a Good Opportunity to engage these people to make sure they are able to return to the workforce. So for the benefit of the public when do they take effect . The final rule is implemented april 1st. Why are you making these changes when the 2018 farm bill made no changes . We have the authority we have authority retained to address this issue so we are able to do the final rule. Has this administration done anything to change the congressionally mandated requirements past as part of the 1996 welfare reform act implemented by clinton and bush and the Obama Administration . No sir this does not change the work requirements or that time limits. Was first passed on a bipartisan basis signed into law by clinton and unchanged more than 20 year years. I yelled back. Thank you very much mister chairman and i share the concern of many folks here that too many veterans are food insecure and experiencing economic hardships not knowing where that will come from so we leave here with a sense theres so much more to do up to and including their lives that are pledge to make sure they are taking care of. I just want to build on a question that was asked about these rule changes. Asking for the rationale why the changes were made. You responded by saying we have the authority. We are not doubting that but explain about the rationale about the broader population and snap in the fence as a result . Using our authority we could implement the final rule. But what we are seeing are more job openings so knowing this is ablebodied adults , with individuals between the ages of 18 and 49, the state has a responsibility to make sure they are screening everyone or the assessment. So we are hopeful if we can engage the population we can put them on a path toward a better future. States do have the ability to exempt caseload if they are having difficulty finding work or to reenter work. Employers have reached out to the snap program how we can engage with participants to make sure they are getting job training and skills they need to help fill some of the jobs that are out there. So just given the economy right now this is a great opportunity. The chairman asked about data for veterans specifically and you said you dont have that data but you do have the numbers for the broader population. Now that will be decreased as a result . 688,000 is the estimate showed fy 21 may not meet the work requirements that could lose benefits from it clearly we are talking about thousands of veterans among that population think we could extrapolate pretty safely. We have to do all we can to make sure they get what they need. We appreciate the work of the working group and what you are doing to ask the question and identify ways to help our vets. Mister otoole talk about those steps that what the workgroup is doing to reach out to the broader population. Talk about Mental Health and suicide we know most that set her dying by suicide are not connected to care v. A. Also with Food Insecurity and they are enriched by these programs prickle how do we reach them . It is important to acknowledge that Veterans Health administration represent only a proportion of all those men and women who have served our country. The v. A. Has launched several initiatives through the Suicide Prevention program as a means of engaging some of those veterans at highest risk to bring them into the system. Many suicides occurring are among veterans not enrolled. Several initiatives undertaken to help bring those veterans into our system as well as Community Resources include other than Honorable Discharge capacity to seek Emergency Care and other care within the v. A. System. Bringing them in is clearly an opportunity. But for the specific issues within the workgroup to speak to those Community Partnerships. The workgroup has done education to advertise to our Community Partners so we dont have to be a veterinarian utilizing to participate and we are currently working on a podcast that would allow anyone to hear it is not just limited to veterans receiving care. Thank you for your work. I yield back. I just want to make sure i understand one thing you know the number of veterans that received snap and overall beneficiaries you think are impacted but yet you cannot tell me how many veterans are impacted . So i will ask both agencies since you are both here can you commit to Work Together to inform this committee how many veterans will be impacted by this proposed rulemaking . We are happy to Work Together and work on look at the dat data. We will follow up to make sure we get that data because its very important this committee understands how many veterans are impacted. Thank you mister chairman into all of you for being here. Ia appreciate chairmans reference to the reserve in fort i wish you couldve been here but this will be recorded on cspan or somewhere he can view it if he chooses but we have challenges. Is not news to anybody thats why we have this hearing. That as opposed to servicemen and women who serve on active duty and then move on with their lives and are not impacted by the subject matter we are talking about today, is there any data out there that suggests it is broken out by a guard and reserve with Food Insecurity clicks for those who served in the Garden Reserve you really dont move your family when you are activated and deployed and when complete in most cases you return home to your hometown and go back to whatever business you were in before. And then continue on. So the stability of the home life and family life in some cases does not mere that of men and women serving actively and find themselves at risk. Is there any data that suggest any correlation with the stability of home life of the guard and reserve when it comes to this subject . Thank you congressman and your point is well taken with the specific needs and issues. I would have to defer to the dod and what they have been collecting for data. We have conduct some work to collect that data but i would have to defer. Thank you for your answer because this is quite an opportunity for dod , usda, v. A. And whoever else to collaborate on the sharing of data relating to all men and women serving in uniform whether active or guard or reserve. Talking about Food Insecurity and suicide risk, you also stated that many veterans at risk are outside the v. A. Healthcare system. Have you tried anything or considered anything to allow different ways to reach the population quex i heard podcast. But if that veteran is not connected to the internet any Different Things you have tried to be successful . Thank you for the question. Its important as we think of Food Insecurity often times is not occurring in isolation. Some of the Suicide Prevention initiatives are one example for how we can tap into that population to reach out and engage. Other efforts include Homeless Outreach that only those who are homeless but at risk through stand downs and such. And the convergence of these issues within those efforts provide an opportunity. Is the more we can do quex absolutely. It will always be a challenge because theres a lot of people who choose not to go to the v. A. Despite those services and capacity that these are several efforts across the Population Group needs to provide opportunity for us. What help can we give to v. A. To enable an outreach that is not occurring because people are outside the system. What help that we can complete outside the system quex. Thank you mister chairman for being here. This is such an important issue for our veterans. Sitting on the Labor Committee if we conducted an oversight hearing on department of agriculture proposed snap rule to eliminate eligibility. The finding was that eliminates access for about 1 million schoolchildren with free and cool reduced lunch is extremely frustrating with this rule the department did not include that impact on its analysis and then after it did showing the effect it continued to pursue the rule. I just want to point out that frustration and in my home state of nevada, 17000 veterans received snap benefits they could be with the lowwage jobs or have disability and snap provides support to enable them to purchase food for their families. So give this pattern i want to raise the question of the usda priorities. Ia have a prioritized actions to reduce state flexibility and limit access to snap and increase Food Insecurity rather than actions that are more proactive and responsive . Our goal with the proposed regulations is to align the program with the statute thats very clear to set limits for who should be receiving snap. We are trying to align the program with the statute to make sure participants are treated fairly and consistently across the country. We know folks in california are determined eligible very differently than those living in virginia. And to make sure everyone is on a level Playing Field regardless of what state you should know the expectations of what the requirements are because the statute defines that for us. We are trying to align the program to make sure everyone is treated fairly and consistently. So basically its our duty to change the statute to see additional eligibility . Yes you have the ability to do so we are happy to work with you to provide Technical Assistance if they are any legislative proposals you would like to pursue. We know there are millions of americans who are experiencing Food Insecurity including veterans that they dont receive the benefits. How is the usda addressing that gap . Those who qualify and are eligible for the program they do some outreach to make sure they work with different partners whether two other federal agencies to make sure we provide training for their caseworkers. So i think there is some outreach opportunity with our federal partners. The usda isnt taking any ownership of that . As part of the 2014 farm bil bill. Doctor otoole thank you for coming in today with your work. I am particularly concerned given the findings of the 2013 study it tended to be younger, not married, lower income pay scale so i cannot help but be concerned. I want to ask you, you listed numerous actions to identify veterans who experienced Food Insecurity and i apply applaud that. What can we do with student veteran hunger . Thank you. The Population Groups you mentioned are vulnerable part of that comes from the many challenges as they transition from military to civilian life. While still bearing the scars of battle and many of the challenges associated whether ptsd or other conditions to fully engage are clearly an issue. The role of student veterans and the shortfalls and their capacity are equally pronounced. For the record i have to take specific plans of action that would be specific to that Population Group. My time is expired. I would like to recognize my friend for five minutes. Thank you chairman and Ranking Member for holding this hearing and addressing this issue of Food Insecurity. I appreciate my friend for his passion. And we all care very deeply especially with Homeless Veterans in our communities. And veterans who dont and who struggle with Food Insecurity. I was moved by your testimony when you said the tool found one. 5 percent of all veterans screen positive for Food Insecurity. I think what about those that dont even get the screening quex that my view is for a veteran that is not disable disabled, especially without dependents the best thing we can do is get him a good job. A job that is a win because it addresses the issue of Food Insecurity and shelter, but its great for the employer because these are heroes for our country and they have great skills to offer employers. Face it, the economy is doing really really well right now. We have 1 million more job openings than unemployed people. What if we could fill those job openings i want to encourage work to get folks back into the labor market. So with respect to this rule why does the usda believe the criteria from those requirements need to be changed . As you just commented it focused on the fact we do have a robust economy right now. There are more job openings available than seekers so it seems like the perfect environment to engage this population helping them move into the work with the skills they need. We have programs, states are required to run those programs. We do provide them with formula funding as well as the opportunity of matching funds as they continue to expand to help snap participants these ablebodied adults get the job skills they need. s congresses job to change those requirements. I for one dont want to change the requirements. And has impeded people from getting back into the workforce. So that statute limits participation to adults were not talking about anybody younger than 18 but a worker without a dependent and without a disability we are talking nondisabled though dependent veterans between the ages of 18 and 49, prime working years with a time limit of 26 months or less unless they run a work program 20 hours per week they can volunteer. They dont even have to work but just do something. Am i describing the underlying statute correctly . Yes or. I dont think the statute is stingy i think it has great positive incentives for ablebodied prime age workers to do something to get them back into a productive place to be selfsufficient. Talking about food insecurit insecurity, thats what we need to be promoting. To the extent that states are impeding that incentive structure that is a great disservice to these heroes to encourage them to be more dependent than independent. The Veterans Benefits were not extended even though the department of labor ruled unable to work. Was that in similar situations . That is on unfortunate situation the state needs to make sure they are properly screening individuals. So there are situations like that because if we did have information that would satisfy the requirements to have the individual not subject to the final rule we are talking about. I have a comment prick i cannot believe were sitting here talking about this. We should all be humiliated were talking about taking food away from any man or woman no matter how ablebodied they may be. Who wore the uniform of this country. We must strive to build communities that truly serve and support our veterans from the very first moment they return. Those of the words of president trump. So for him to allow you to implement a band like this, to take food out of the mouths of the veteran is nothing short of unamerican and inhumane. I cant even believe we are talking about this. You are talking about using terms like level Playing Field talking about taking food away from people . This is disgusting. We are looking at you we all know what we can do we should just do it we dont have to hear people like you talking about a level Playing Field when you talk about men and women who wore the uniform of this country not being able to get food. Thank you mister chairman. Thank you mister chairman. So clearly this is a difficult issue one of which we all agree in the end anyone who cannot afford to maintain a level of nutrition or food, in particular, a veteran as a community i donate regularly to food banks. There are quite a few of them. There are some that exist for the purpose of veterans. So what we need to figure out is how to get it done in a way that is accountable. It takes a very holistic view of services. They work with Many Community organizations to connect if they feel there are benefits that are not in line with the best interest of the veteran and to be deserving. Is there a best practice that is taught for other v. A. s to take a holistic approach and not just look at the data of their income levels . Thank you for that question it highlights both the just to make sure we are to take care of the entire veteran. That extends through many examples and the leadership and the staff and their commitment of those men and women who served. And he gets back and not only the root and then to help them secure in addition stable housing and that goes far beyond the prescription pad. That is our commitment and also the strategic approach we have taken to the Food Insecurity screener and Interdisciplinary Team based approach. Its a much deeper problem than just food. I want to commend the department of veterans over the last two years, the mission act the veterans choice act, have been implemented on a bipartisan basis led by secretary wilkie and your staff. Most of veterans and have dedicated your working lives to serving veterans. And i see that and it is appreciated. So they have seen improvements as a whole. So three or four years ago there were disasters with various administrations with the work that was done is that what we need to prove so we have the hybrid approach what is the best possible care civic for your work and dedication and all of your service. The usda in my district in the department of the fairs related to food . Yes sir. We have had some Training Programs with the v. A. Caseworkers so they are familiar with our program. I yelled back. Thank you to the first panel now i will call up the second panel. This will take just a minute. [inaudible conversations] thank you everybody. On the second panel today we have a Vice President of public policy, a jewish response to hunger thank you for being here. Also chief Community Programs officer at Blue Star Families and finally the ceo in san diego thank you so much. Im but the full written statement added to the record. You are recognized for five minutes for jewish response to hunger. Inspired by Jewish Values and ideals the responsibility to care for most responsible without precondition. We are prioritized addressing but the snap program is the most crucial tool to but it is under attack under administrative actions. I would like to tell you about one individual, a navy veteran he agreed to allow me to share his painful experience for graft or injured he could not return to work and fell on hard times. He applied for snap because the state of maine did not waive the time limits he lost snap benefits for only three months. Repeatedly asked to the so what do i eat between now and then quex nobody had an he resorted to scrounging for food. But to go two or three days without food the food bank has only limited resources i had to have seven bolts on holes to have make. It helps one. Three low income suggesting two thirds but those that are ever veteran have to be forced to eat because they cannot get the help they need. Urging congress to protect the interest to withdraw those 300 proposals including veterans for that is not nuanced or flexible or the realities of struggling americans and and then to move for the changes without. Food insecurity can trigger a downward spiral which unfortunately can lead to suicide brick improving access is an important tool in the campaign to end veteran suicide and needs to be prioritize. Connecting veterans to snap we are pleased that v. A. Took advice to start screening for Food Insecurity with the current process is not doing enough and does not capture all those who struggle they must adopt a screening to more identity accurately identify those who have Food Insecurity and those that screen positive they should provide what is not happening badly. The v. A. Should integrate materials like snap to the Transition Assistance Program and other veteran outreach efforts as part of the Suicide Prevention initiative and then with the specific resources about snap brick a listen to veterans it is ramped up by proposals for only certain americans. This creates a Chilling Effect with the stigma to make others to seek the help that we need the committee should hold the followup hearing for those who have experiences with Food Insecurity. Lastly Congress Must address the current families that has been ignored for far too long. It is an urgent matter of National Security retention and recruitment you have to make sure they have what they need and dont have to struggle with hunger. For someone like tim to have access to snap when he turned 50 the time limit no longer applied than he can once again get the assistance he needed hes in a much better place now and he was to make sure others did not fall to the quex i look forward to your questions. I would like to recognize you for your statements by mister chairman and Ranking Members thank you for the opportunity to testify today and the chief Community Programs officer blister families. We build communities that support military families by connecting research and data to programs and solutions. Blue star families is nationally recognized for the Lifestyle Survey in the 2018 survey we found 7 percent of 12 percent indicated they faced in Food Insecurity in the past year and those indicated in the household so the one to comprehend Food Insecurity must first understand all the families are actively serving. Higher rates of Military Spouse unemployment limited availability outofpocket housing expenses many factors arrive due to military orders activeduty military families relocate once every two or three years across state lines are overseas makes it difficult partly because those who have gaps in the resumes. To work in a licensed profession to undergo the costly process and in 2018 these were unemployed and in 2018 was less than 4 percent and those who would like to be employed site childcare why they are not currently working meanwhile 70 percent of millennial respondents those that were vital to the familys wellbeing but the Military Spouse employment crisis directly contributes to Food Insecurity by preventing military families of a second source of income. Those are further compounded by relocation expenses brick of the federal government covers the majority of these expenses one third of respondents reported spending 1000 up on reimbursed expenses brick all of these factors with rising cost of childcare and others can contribute to Food Insecurity Food Insecurity does not and when servicemembers retire the Financial Difficulties are from challenges it is critical we work to address the underlying causes and at the same time the committee can take immediate steps to protect veteran hunger to identify veterans to establish be a partnerships for those who are not receiving services. The federal government must also work with the Data Collection with those foreignpolicy responses. Those are well situated to help in that endeavor it with her efforts to eliminate hunger and to make significant sacrifices should not struggle to put food on the table. Thank you so much and distinguish members of the committee with the leading hunger relief we are a very proud member of the network to be 4500 square miles making it larger than us 20 states the largest concentration of personnel in the world its part of the National Defense infrastructure with those activeduty military and 260,583,000 family members of veterans. 37 percent of the population has direct ties to the military. It is a proud heritage but it comes with the responsibility greatest of these is to ensure the veteran of military families have a dignified quality of life but all too often despite the efforts of our government to close this significant gap between what the heroes have and need to provide for families but i am proud of my organization by take no pride they stationed them without paying enough to live in san diego. I take no pride to see them line up with the food pantry every year. Feeding san diego has food rescue approaches to deliver healthy fresh with 24 Million Pounds of food would go froms farms and stores and manufacturers so with our charitable partners those 26 million meals that have on otherwise wouldve gone to a landfill. 40 percent goes to waste every day thats more than enough to solve hunger for everyone in need. Through a partnership with feeding america 260 Grocery Stores and 19 districts we also rescue produce from 225 farms through our partnership with the California Association of food banks. We we are proud to partner with 170 religious and charitable organizations across the county who work handinhand with us to work on this innovative model. Many of these organizations are focused on the needs of veterans and active duty military families like the uso, courage to call, military ministries and support the listed projects. A distributions reach families to dignified Farmers Market style which allows individuals to select what is best for their families needs. Our military connexus fresh nutritious fruits and vegetables without stigma or unnecessary bureaucracy. Have strong their efforts are there is much more to be done and there are serious threats to our progress. We are asking congress to do several things that would help us to solve military family hunger. Foremost is to oppose cuts to the snap program which threatened millions of americans including activeduty military families we serve. Feeding america, 200 food banks strong but everyone meal provided by the network, the snap Program Provides 90. Even a relatively small cut to the snap program threatened to create a staggering increase in demand that americas food banks, a dean and we cannot meet. I encourage congress to include needed reauthorization which will help to increase food for the children of military and veteran families. I want to end my testimony by sharing desirees tori, she participate in the feeding heroes program, her husband is a Communications Officer of the navy who makes 40, 000 a year. She has reported that her husband has been deployed for eight month. She told us she new life as emissary spouse would have its challenges but she never expected one of those challenges would be feeding her own children. Thousands of military families face challenges, too many kids standing in food lines when their parents are serving on the front lines. It has been an honor to testify on behalf of everyone in san diego including desiree and her family. Thank you for your leadership and work in san diego. This is provide an opportunity to highlight the great work you are doing and for all three of you, thank you as nongovernmental leaders for bringing perspective today. I think the va representatives for sticking around with anyone from usda still here . Let the record someone is still here. Now. Let the record reflect that no one from the United States department of agriculture who administers the snap program took the time to stay to listen Nongovernmental Organization experts who see firsthand in the field how Food Insecurity is impacting the veteran community. Let the record reflect that. I would like to turn to some questions. Mister hall, i was delighted to join you recently to your Distribution Center and enjoyed learning that. Most veterans that are referred to feeding san diego do they get there from va or elsewhere and can you comment on any stigma or reluctance to seek assistance among food insecure veterans . The referral system is very informal. Transitioning veterans who left the service or perhaps as long as 5 to 10 years still trying to find their footing in civilian life, to support organizations shortly after they discharged from active duty. Senior veterans might come to us through senior programs and only as we begin to serve the we learn they are veterans eligible for va benefits and a lot of persontoperson referrals cause people to find their way to our food pantries, consistently referring to people for Hunger Relief Services but you hit on a key point and that is stigma. No one who has worn the uniform of the country feels pride in accessing food through hunger relief charities. It is our duty, our obligation morally to support those who serve the country to ensure they dont need to turn to charitable organizations to have minimal qualityoflife after they themselves put their lives on the line for this country. Only by partnering with these organizations that have the trust of veterans do we create Safe Environments where we minimize that stigma and maximize their dignity but an ever present challenge. You noted the screening tool only identifies veterans, for Food Security. Can explain the difference between very low and low Food Security and why it is important to identify and address both . The difference is a technical difference the way usda defines the low Food Security households with reduced quality, variety and desirability of their diets but the quantity of food intake, was not substantially disrupted. Very low Food Insecurity describes at times during the year eating patterns of one or more household numbers directed in food intake. The truth is both of those categories are considered food insecure and people have to alter their eating habits which result in poor nutrition and poor health outcomes. The single question being asked we think captures just those who experience low Food Insecurity and the rate is under two . The rates for certain parts of the veteran population and veterans in jail general are higher than that. Thank you for that, both you and mister hall, by usdas admission, recent proposed rule changes would lead to significant reduction in snap participation which will include loss of snap benefits for struggling veterans as im sure your member from the first panel they dont know how many although they promised to get a set number to hear this. Mister hall, as an organization that provides both direct food and enrolled individuals in snap what impact will these changes have for your organization . Do you and other food banks across the country have the capacity to make up for these cuts, also maintaining the robust Emergency Response you provide the san diego community. We do not have that capacity. It is complicated to get enrolled in snap under current Eligibility Criteria that we have to redirect our Staff Resources not just to helping people apply for snap but instead doing fewer applications helping more people through the entirety of the documentation process to get them to the finish line where they receive snap benefits so we scale back our process to meet the conflict bureaucracy around the existing snap program adding an entirely new layer which they cant afford to support. What is the experience that you highlighted in your testimony, teach about the ability for hunger relief organizations to mitigate the impact of veterans from snap policy changes . In 2015 the governor of maine chose not to take waivers for the time limits on snap even though the state was eligible for those waivers and there was an increase in hunger that resulted, 2800 veterans lost access, it doesnt mean they had better end of life circumstances or because they lost the one dollar 0. 40 per person benefit that they were inspired to get work. The shared idea is by taking food away from people to magically make them work, that was the case that happened in maine. The story i shared was a personal story that someone was hurt. There were thousands of other veterans, tens of thousands of other who lost access to snap going hungry as a result of that change. I would like to turn it over to the Ranking Member, mister bilirakis. Thank you very much. Mister chairman. I understand the statute should be here but they are barred by staff so they cant request veteran status, i would appreciate that. The standard was taken out in the farm bill. Lets get that done together. Going down the panel we will start would you support an increase in the ability of states to track veteran status of snap beneficiaries and if not, why not . I would support that usda has ways to do that but estimates about 1. 3 million veterans who participate in snap comes from data from the American Community survey. Are there ways to get information . It would be fine to inquire about veteran status but that shouldnt be the barrier to usda and more to have this problem. I want to convince all the groups for all your good work in helping our heroes. Appreciate it so much. The question is do you believe snap should be a temporary Assistance Program . For the vast majority of snap participants it is temporary assistance and works the way it was designed, there were some individuals who were disabled, those not able to work where it may provide longterm support. Ideally people get back to work and snap is a steppingstone but if they dont have jobs or job training, there are many barriers to work. Employment and Training Programs in the last farm bill, ten pilot programs for employment Training Programs and we should see what works out of those, the result of those Training Programs. And to better their skills. We really wants to get people back to work which is a shared goal, lets invest in employment and Training Programs so that snap is temporary assistance to have somebody seek work. They are looking for work. They dont have training opportunities and transportation or childcare. Do you believe snap should be a temporary Assistance Program . I agree with the previous response. For people with permanent disabilities, people who dont have a path to selfsufficiency snap is an important part of their nutritional needs. I also would say we have a program where data in san diego tracks the National Average of the average snap participant in the program for us than a year, it is lifting people out of poverty. The snap recipients who arent working, typically not the same people, this is a program that fluctuates. People find their way back to the workforce and are no longer in the program. The program is functioning well and something isnt intended purpose. Miss hollywood, anytime you want to chime in dont hesitate. I want to give you an opportunity to do that. Do you have do you want to add to that in any way . Your written statement you provide the story of tim, a veteran hero from maine. Why was the department of labor determination not enough to qualify for snap . There was a misunderstanding between state agencies and theres a lot of confusion about disability status. Veterans who receive full disability rating are exempted from work requirements. That is not the case. They benefited all, exempted from work requirements. The head of the Food Nutrition Service do not understand regulations. Theres a lot of information that needs to be distributed and that is a role to play that administer snap programs that have to play a role. I want to emphasize all of us want our veterans and their families to have Food Security. It is just a matter of more hearings. As the chairman told me, he would like to have a panel of veterans to get their impact on this. I appreciate your input and testimony and i yield back. I agree with your suggestion that we should be hearing from veterans themselves. In addition i appreciate the chance to work with the Ranking Member to get the data. Exactly how many veterans are being impacted by this that they cannot Work Together, and did get the usd administrator here and they try to get that done. And look forward to working with you on that. I recognize mister pappas. I would like to second that. How veterans have been impacted by Food Insecurity. If theres an opportunity for roundtable. I appreciate your comments, on behalf of those struggling across the country. 36,000 americans rely on foodstamp benefits every month and we consider the economy is doing well. On recent data, to be connected, as the Administration Seeks to pull the rug out from those who are struggling. It is outrageous they moved forward with these draconian measures the target folks who are struggling and living day today. You said a few things i hear a lot from food pantries across the district to understand that even at a time of significant Economic Growth for many in our country, there are those, doesnt meet the needs of those who are food insecure. To continue to talk a little bit about what changes to this program mean for organizations like yours that are stretched the max and why we need to do what we can to fill in those gaps. It is a difficult challenge to convey how the snap Program Works in the real world. There are the complexities of finding eligible populations and only a percentage of eligible veterans in this country are participating in the snap program. The lag time, in california. The county of san diego, has full time employers in the food bank office to help us process snap application this. And to snap benefits. In the second or third week of the month, an increase in demand at food pantries from beneficiaries because the benefit amount is not enough to secure the quantity of food they need to nourish their families. It is a situation where the Program Works well within the Guidelines Congress has established, but congress hasnt created the program in a way designed to solve hunger in the country, it is essential critical of supplemental laid for many veterans and many activeduty military families. If i may add for activeduty military families having basic allowance for purposes of disqualifying them from snap is an absolutely inexcusable a friend and i know many members on both sides of the aisle agree on this. I dont understand why we havent fixed it yet. Know what is getting rich on the 5 a day average that snap pays for Food Assistance. If anyone think that is an overly generous benefit, i wonder if we could 0 in on the fact that younger veterans, veterans of iraq and afghanistan in particular are experiencing Food Insecurity at higher rates. Do you know why that is the case and how can we do outreach to make sure they get what they need . A recent study by researchers at the university of minnesota found Food Insecurity rates at 27 after they return from iraq and afghanistan. Are there astronomically high rates that are very concerning . Was mentioned before about the economy that is booming. It is not booming for every one. In rural communities, many people transitioning from military service or taking lowpaying jobs and experience underemployment, it is a parttime job without benefits. Maybe there cobbling a number of parttime jobs and that underemployment rate was documented for returning veterans at a rate substantially higher than the civilian population so that is part of the situation here and we need to do a better job for those who are transitioning to make sure they are aware of the benefits for the temporary time of need. Income variability is a key component. People go from getting a steady paycheck until thrown into the crisis where they are piecemeal in various jobs together to get a solid paycheck. I yield back. Mister bergman. Thanks to all of you for being here. Especially they cant learn. Things you do in schools, because you dont have kids inside to we will go home on friday afternoon for the weekend. And we send backpacks of food home with them because their homeless situation puts them at risk. Thank you for what you are doing. A hodgepodge of questions based use the example of tim. Was he under the a system . He was not seeking it under the health system. Was that by choice . I am not sure he qualified for medical care through va . Is not a Service Related disability. It was a jobrelated disability. Data counts. On the committee. To understand what our role of congress does the right thing for veterans and their families. For the whole family. Could each of you give a rough number, rough percentage breakdown of veterans you interact with who are inside or outside the system like i asked about tim, 60407030, what do you think . Maybe 6040, 60 outside . Our survey doesnt address the specific question raised specifically, the data we gather on approximately 85 , military family members. The other 15 our family members and the other 15 are activeduty veterans. A significant portion are activeduty military families in the veteran community, we cant track how many are engaged in the va or not. I dont have that data. It is not a question to be answered here but i appreciate a response because activeduty, 30 second street, balboa hospital, north island, coronado. Not to be answered now necessarily unless you have a quick solution you have already thought of. These men and women are stationed, activeduty and fulltime in most cases or many cases they were living on board base are getting there be a h out of town. I am guessing it is relative to the cost of living in san diego. Is there anything they are fulltime employees at the us government. Taken out of the military and let say we move all firefighters out to be stationed temporarily in san diego to be jumpers in the event we had forest fires. Could they afford to live . Just because of san diego is a costofliving. Let me complement you on your talk about food race and recapturing food. Are you familiar with anthony board aims who in 2017 wasted the story of food waste . That impacted me greatly when i first saw it. Weve got a soon to be ten grand kids, greatgrandparents looking at three generations down. What send me about that was shown in middle schools or any school for that matter because of the language in it so if you could impact your fellow filmmakers, not that you are in the film business, to make it middle school presentable because the messaging we are talking about here is building resiliency. In the military we have families committed to the country. It is our responsibility to be committed to them but building that resiliency within the family, within that servicemember so the family can survive and thrive when the servicemembers gone to the fight. I know i am going over a minute or so if you will allow me to continue. But the idea is that when they leave activeduty they served honorably, end of activeduty and out in civilian workforce. Can families in your particular case, if they got out, served four or eight years honorably and got out of the t5 or e six level, dont have a pension because they didnt serve 20 years what do you tell them . Increasingly hard, congressman. It is okay, it is accepted. You cant say that in the Armed Services committee. It is increasingly difficult to understand san diegos complex housing equation. Our cost of living is 40 higher than the National Average. It is unreasonable to expect folks in the economic condition you described will be able to easily locate or find housing, support their families in san diego. Activeduty military families dont make that choice, they are stationed in san diego and it is not sufficient to support them so many travels from as far as riverside and imperial counties to work. I know the roadways very well but san diego has one problem because of a costofliving. San francisco has a similar problem. Places like new york, boston, dc have a similar problem as well. My district happens to be very rural and remote. We have a slightly different problem. Usually the tierney of distance and availability of good paying jobs but we are getting there because the economy is on fire in a positive way. The point, i see a hand coming up. When Mister Portis is that i will your back. Thank you for raising the issue about serving the missouri families and i agree that the basic allowance for housing is a barrier and we tried in the past to have the basic allowance for housing exclude it as income but there has been an offer to is asian we worked with the National Military association, congresswoman davis and congresswoman young for a bipartisan solution for military family basic needs allowance to help junior listed personnel who have larger households really struggle to make ends meet and dont qualify for snap even though they need it. There is Something Congress can do. Congressman levin has been a sponsor and we would love to see that, to make sure military families are taken care of. You mentioned the children of military families are a next generation issue. When families today in the military are struggling our veterans, those children are more likely to go into service themselves and if they experience Food Insecurity as children, they will experience obesity and violated conditions, and the organization of retired admirals and generals prioritized this. Not only an issue for readiness but recruitment down the road. I resemble the remark of living in a highcost area. It is very true. But we are not going to solve all the reasons for that. This discussion is a simple one. Are we going to allow veterans to go hungry . I think the answer should be equally simple, we cannot allow veterans to go hungry, not one veteran in need should go hungry period. With that i would like to recognize mister barr. Thank you for your leadership in holding this hearing and i could not agree with you more. We shouldnt have a single veteran in this country food insecure. I want to thank the second panel for your organization, dedication to your work in fighting this problem and give a shout out to my food pantries in kentucky who served many veterans. Michael does a great job, Great Organization and Great Network of food pantries in central and eastern kentucky. Tim sandberg who leads the statewide effort in this regard. I also want to complement our agriculture commissioner in kentucky who is doing some innovative things, ryan corals is working closely with our Food Pantry Network in kentucky. I want to explore a little more the conversation you were having with Ranking Member Frank Micciche bilirakis and appreciate your comment that the temporary nature and mister hall as well, the temporary nature of snap is applicable to ablebodied more capable, shouldnt necessarily apply to a senior citizen, someone who is disabled. I would remind everybody that the underlying bipartisan statute doesnt apply, work requirements dont apply to disabled vehicles individuals as far as i read it. It doesnt appear to be an issue. I take seriously or good point that in maine and other places where there may be in rural areas i represent places you are describing. In rural places where in a booming economy there is underemployment, difficulty in finding those 7 million job openings in those particular economic places. As i read the proposed regulation from the usda it looks like they are taking that into account because it moves to specific requests for waivers rather than sweeping statewide waivers. I would like you to comment on that. One point about disability. Those who properly recognized disabilities exempted from work requirements that many fall through the cracks and it would be wrong to discount that. There are many people with Mental Health disabilities or physical disabilities that dont get fully recognized and that may be because of economic barriers, they cant afford to go to a doctor to get the proper documentation. There are many people they have to jump through hoops together disability properly certified. That is a fair point and we should address that but when you talk about a bona fide nondisabled person you do agree this should be a temporary program. It should be a temporary program for those not able to work and have opportunities available to them. As far as the proposed rule change, states limiting state flexibilities and not just flex abilities about statewide waivers. There are waivers that are exercised. I dont know in kentucky if you feel usda has a better sense of Job Opportunities than state officials i think the way the 1996 welfare reform law worked is there was a certain amount of flex ability for states to take waivers knowing Job Opportunities in their communities and that is a fair point. As i read the proposed rulemaking the move to requests for waivers makes sense, state apply for those pockets in rural kentucky but we do have difficult labor Market Conditions was one other point i read in the regulation that hasnt received a lot of attention, the proposed rule continues exemptions for adults who are having difficulty entering the workforce. You are aware of that. That seems to address a lot of the concerns you otherwise might have. There is a continuation of exemptions, the proposed rule has elimination of the carryover of exemptions so that limits the number of exemptions and im not aware every state has taken advantage of those exemptions. My concern is it is limiting state flexibility, limiting the option to help those who are really struggling. I appreciate your work and feedback on this and will continue to monitor usda because we want these organizations to continue to serve veterans and encourage work where we can. I worked recognize mister museare. We are focusing on veterans, not the entire population we care greatly about as well. Now veteran should go hungry. That is understood and whatever procedures and perhaps legislation actions that need to be taken we need to do a better job in assuring that that occurs. Related to your organization, familiar with various food banks, very often the community has to step up and Campaign Fundraising events and things of that nature and other government participation but we are to an extent talking about a broader issue and that is snap. The thing is if you look at the data on average participant and population of those who received snap benefits over the years something doesnt add up. What i mean by that is this. Go back to 1992. There was a recession, 25 Million People on snap. As the economy improved as you would expect the number of people receiving the Supplemental Nutritional Program reduced by quite a bit, went down to 17 million in 2000, bennett crept up and we had the socalled great recession. You would expect it to increase. It increased from 28 million in in 2008 on the snap program, to 45 million 47 million in 2013, 45 million in 2015. That is equivalent of the population of 22 states. The entire population of 22 states was on snap program. 17, 18, 19, we have a far better economy than we did five years ago, many jobs going unfulfilled. The farm bill did have the idea of work requirements between ages of 19, and 56, who are ablebodied, not caring for children, you need it to work and for 30 hours, your income met the demands and you would receive the snap benefits. It didnt get past. What we now have done over the last two years is not change the criteria but enforced eligibility requirements, we have 34 Million People last year, 34 million versus years past so in 2000 it was 17 million, 2019 after reducing it double that, double that. That is still 18 states, all population on the snap program. I guess you got to understand it is a reasonable question with hundreds of thousands of jobs being created, 3. 5 , not my district. I get it, theres a lot of work to be done and more people need to be included in this economy but overall it is going very well. Placing reasonable work requirements on snap recipients, if they cant get a job, 20 hours of volunteer service would have sufficed, would not have raised the income but still would have been recipients. It is hard to believe we dont want to take into consideration levels of accountability and have an organized approach so money is in there for people who need it. I make that comment and ask for your response. It is alarming how Many Americans struggle with Food Insecurity and rather than the concern being directed at snap they should be concerned how many people struggle, 36 million americans currently served by snap, it is larger than the population of canada. What is wrong in this country that that Many Americans struggle to put food on the table and in terms of increases in snap participation what is wrong with the organization and accountability and eligibility requirements. You need to recognize snap helps the working poor. The vast majority of working age adults who can work do work. We have low income households receiving extra help they need from snap, people working 2 or 3 parttime jobs. I recognize that but it is at a high level and includes 18 states, 34 million versus 17 million, that is a disparity. I yield. Thank you. With no further questions we can bring this hearing to a close. I want to thank our witnesses on the first and second panel and a brief close but i would like to recognize the Ranking Member mister bilirakis for a brief statement. I appreciate you holding this hearing and we got some answers today but we need more answers. We need the data. Giving the usda the authority statutorily to provide this data as well for veterans and now veteran should go hungry. All of us agree with that. We serve on this committee. It is our top priority or at least mine, to take care of veterans and families. But i do believe, we need to explore this even more and i appreciate your testimony but i believe longterm we have to think longterm and i think all of you agree job so veterans can provide for their families in the future is really the key but shorttermwise, sure, absolutely. Now veteran should go hungry and continue to work with this issue. I appreciate everyones input today. I think the Ranking Member for continuing to work with him in a bipartisan basis to address this pressing issue. I think colleagues for their thoughtful questions. And the war powers resolution. And sacrificing for National Security and the least we can do is provide military Food Security. And any veterans impacted by administrations proposed changes to the snap program and i appreciate usda worked until the very least try to provide us with that data but that doesnt tell the whole story, doesnt go far enough. Our veterans are more than statistics and veterans who are suffering from Mental Illnesses who are undiagnosed. How does this impact them . Definitely worth that discussion. Hearing from veterans is important, i look forward to working with you all to make sure that happens in weeks and months ahead. Particularly concerned with how usda will work with va to communicate that. Im concerned usda didnt see fit to have a representative here, to hear from nongovernmental experts in this hearing. It doesnt take an act of congress to pick up the phone, to communicate, to speak with one another. It just takes a level of care and concern. We set the highest expectations of our military to serve our country and we need to set equally High Expectations of ourselves to serve them. We shouldnt be allowing a single veteran indeed to go hungry. We need to make sure they arent hungry. Isnt that hard. I thank our witnesses for joining us today. All members have five legislative days to extend their remarks and include additional materials. Without objection the subcommittee stands adjourned. [inaudible conversations] this weekend booktv features three new nonfiction books. Saturday at 7 00 pm Eastern National Constitution Center president and ceo Jeffrey Rosen and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader ginsburg talk about his new book conversations with our bg about her life and career. We were married in my motherinlaws home and she took me aside just before the ceremony to tell me the secret of a happy marriage and it was it helped sometimes to be a little deaf. [laughter] which is advice i have followed assiduously through every workplace. Even in my current job. At 9 00 eastern, breitbart. Coms entertainment editor argues News Coverage in the Mainstream Media benefits the political left in his new book 50 things they dont want you to know. I think generally it goes back to the distrust you see in survey after survey, the American People dont trust, the Mainstream Media is telling them the truth or the whole