Census poverty data is a reminder that we should work together

That “Census: Poverty still at highest level since 1993” is a stark reminder that, although we are the wealthiest nation the world has ever known, far too many children are going to bed hungry; far too many families are struggling to pay for a routine doctor’s visit, put gas in their car, or buy school supplies; and there is far too much work left for this Congress to do.

Unfortunately, Republican intransigence – led by the Tea Party and Republican Vice Presidential nominee Paul Ryan – have left millions of jobs on the table. Democrats in Congress have begged for compromise only to be turned away by a party more obsessed with its political fortunes in November than the well-being of everyday Americans that are hurting right now.
 
Worse yet, the so-called “solutions” offered by the Republican Party would turn back the clock on our most vulnerable. The government should be putting wind at the back of Americans striving to secure jobs and build a future, not kick them while they’re down. It is simply unfathomable that Paul Ryan’s budget – which he claims is inspired by his Judeo-Christian faith – asks the most sacrifice from those with the least. It is unfathomable that Republicans would first take an ax to programs that provide food to the hungry and health care to the poor to get our fiscal house in order. It is unfathomable that we let them.
 
That is why I’ll be fighting tooth and nail against Republican Social Darwinism that would increase the number of Americans living in poverty and cripple our economy. I urge House Republicans to abandon these extreme positions and instead work with our president and Democratic Congressional Leadership to find collaborative solutions.”

Honda is co-chair of the Out of Poverty Caucus and representative of Silicon Valley.