Minister Leslie Watson Malachi, Director of People For the American Way's African American Ministers in Action (AAMIA), released the following statement in response to the House GOP's refusal to extend food stamp funding as part of the Farm Bill:

"This unacceptable vote puts children, seniors, the unemployed and struggling families at even greater risk in a country that already has nutritional challenges. Low-income and needy Americans should not have to suffer because of partisan politics, especially at a time when so many American households are already making enormous sacrifices. Republicans like to talk about 'class warfare.' But if there is class warfare going on in America, they are the ones waging it.

"I am deeply disturbed at the insensitivity behind today's vote. I join my fellow members of AAMIA in calling for an immediate and decisive legislative action to right this wrong."

People For the American Way's African American Ministers in Action represents an ecumenical alliance of 1,500 African-American clergy working toward equality, justice and opportunity for all.

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