Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on Governor Abbott's Veto of Summer Food Program Spending

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott's veto of spending for a summer food aid program for Texas children: 

“Once again, Governor Abbott has chosen cruelty over compassion. By vetoing $60 million in state spending for the summer food assistance program, he turned his back on hungry children across Texas and walked away from $450 million in federal funding that would have helped feed them.

"Texas ranks second worst in the nation for food insecurity, and more than one in four children in our state face hunger. There is no legitimate excuse for this decision.

"Instead, Governor Abbott chose political games over putting food on the table for Texas kids. 

"I have said it before and I will say it again. If you abandon children when they are hungry, you cannot claim to be pro-life. Texas families deserve leaders who will fight for their health, their dignity, and their future—not leave them behind.”