Meng Speaks on House Floor About War on Poverty

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) today marked the 50th anniversary of the war on poverty by speaking out on the need to expand economic opportunities and renew unemployment insurance. The following are the remarks she delivered last this afternoon on the Floor of the House:

"Mr Speaker, I come before you today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the war on poverty. Our nation has had many successes over the last fifty years. Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP and Pell Grants are incredible programs that help our entire country. However, even with these successful programs which deserve our recognition – this is not a time for celebration.

After five decades, many would think that our Congressional leaders were still committed to fighting poverty and reducing the gap between the haves and have-nots. I would still think that we are committed to helping hard working Americans who have fallen on tough times through no fault of their own.

The war on poverty is far from over. Instead of pressing the issue, we are retreating from it.

1.3 million Americans just lost their unemployment insurance and are suffering from long term joblessness. If we don't renew the program, 383,000 New Yorkers will lose access to benefits over the next 12 months. We would also be responsible for preventing an increase of GDP by .2 percent and the blocking of 200,000 jobs.

For me, and I know for many in this chamber, inflicting avoidable pain on this country is unacceptable. With no political gimmicks, we must vote to renew unemployment insurance now."

Video of the Rep. Meng's statement can be viewed here.