EXCELLENT NOVEMBER JOBS REPORT, LABOR FORCE SURGE UNDERSCORE BENEFITS OF TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOOD STAMP CHANGES

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., a member of the House Agriculture Committee, overseeing the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), released the following statement of support, after the Trump Administration issued a final rule this week requiring able-bodied adults, ages 18 to 49, to train, volunteer or work, in order to receive food stamp benefits.

“In this outstanding economy, hopeful Americans are re-joining the labor force, securing new, good-paying jobs. There are millions available, and many career paths, for those able to work. The Trump Administration’s changes to the SNAP program will help to foster a culture of achievement and success, while ensuring citizens with dependents or disabilities continue to receive assistance. Waivers for areas with above-average unemployment are still generous, as are education and training programs. Criticism of this important change is off-base. The potential benefits are enormous.”

Today, the Labor Department released its monthly jobs report, showing strong gains in November, upward revisions for prior months, continued wage growth, the highest labor force participation rate since 2013, and lowest unemployment rate since 1969. Despite 7 million jobs available nationwide, and fewer Americans requiring food stamps, the total number of recipients, which nearly doubled under the Obama Administration to over 47 million, has not declined commensurate with improved economic numbers.

The Trump Administration’s changes to SNAP, in addition to helping more recipients to secure employment, will also save taxpayers who fund the program almost $13 billion over the next 10 years.

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