The debt ceiling statement from our president:

We are grateful for the deal, and disappointed in expanded work requirements [Bread for the World]( Friend, We wanted to make sure you saw our press release on the recent passage of debt ceiling legislation. While we’re grateful that a deal has been reached, we are disappointed that the agreement expands SNAP work requirements to older Americans aged 50 to 54 who do not have children living at home. The expanded work requirements will impact close to 750,000 people. [Moving forward, Bread will continue to push Congress to pass a farm bill that ensures everyone experiencing hunger has access to the food and nutrition they need. Will you support us?]( [Donate Now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Press Release: Bread Grateful for Debt Ceiling Deal, Disappointed by Expanded Work Requirements Washington, D.C., June 2023 – Today, Bread for the World released the following statement on passage of the debt ceiling compromise legislation. The statement can be attributed to Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World: “Bread for the World is grateful White House and congressional negotiators were able to come to a debt ceiling agreement that will enable the federal government to pay its bills. Preventing a default on our federal debt is vital to preventing a hunger crisis. One in four Americans participates in federal nutrition programs such as SNAP and WIC – those programs would come to a standstill if the U.S. were to default. The Social Security checks for 67 million seniors and people with disabilities would be delayed or simply not issued. “However, we are deeply disappointed that the agreement expands SNAP requirements to older Americans aged 50 to 54 who do not have children living at home. Close to 750,000 people will be impacted by the expanded work requirements. Many people in this group are unable to secure employment due to age discrimination, physical ailments, and the need to care for family members. Others will lose SNAP benefits because of administrative and reporting error issues. “While we support the dignity of work, studies show that work requirements do not increase employment rates or income and simply result in the loss of food assistance for the people who need it most. Bread is thankful that the debt agreement now exempts veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth from these requirements. “Bread will continue our bipartisan efforts for people who struggle with hunger – both in the U.S. and abroad. We look forward to working with Congress on the farm bill negotiations to ensure everyone experiencing hunger has access to the food and nutrition they need to lead healthy and productive lives.” [Donate Now]( ©2023 Bread for the World 425 3rd Street SW, Suite 1200 | Washington, DC 20024 | USA Tel. [202.639.9400](tel:2026399400) | [800.822.7323](tel:8008227323) | Fax [202.639.9401](fax:2026399401) [Unsubscribe]( | [Manage Your Email Preferences]( | [Privacy Policy]( bread.org [supporter]