{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361321", "Hastings Attends Hoops for Youth Foundation Food Drive", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Alcee Hastings", "H000324", "alceehastings.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following remarks at a food drive organized by the Hoops for Youth Foundation and the American League of Lobbyists:\n\u201cAs I came to work this morning, I found myself thinking about how the holiday season seems to come earlier and earlier every year. It\u2019s already mid-November, and we are quickly approaching Thanksgiving, and the season where we give thanks for all the things we are fortunate enough to have. \n\u201cIn doing so, I was reminded \u2013 as I\u2019m sure we all are \u2013 that there are many people in our country and around the world who are far less fortunate than those of us lucky enough to be standing in this room today. I was also reminded that just two short weeks ago, a $5 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) took effect. This cut that will affect 1 in 7 Americans, and will give the families relying on this critical program one more thing to worry about. For many, it will literally take food off the table. \n\u201cThis underscores the importance of events like the one we are holding today. \n\n    \n        \n            \n        \n    \n\n\u201cAcross America, there are millions of people still struggling to recover after the recession. There are millions of Americans that are still out of work. And, there are millions of American families that are struggling not just to make ends meet, but to provide for the most basic needs such as putting food on the table. \n\u201cI believe that we have a moral obligation to do whatever we can, be it a grand gesture or a seemingly insignificant act, to make it easier for those among us struggling to make ends meet. Not just this season, but throughout the year.\u00a0 \n\u201cAnd in saying that, there are thousands of organizations like the ones represented here today that have committed themselves to serving their communities. \n\u201cMaking it easier for people to eat may be one of the simplest yet most critical things we can do, and I commend you for organizing this food drive. \n\u201cThe Pantry of Broward County is an organization that I have had the privilege to be involved with for a number of years.\u00a0 They serve as a one-stop-shop for seniors \u2013 providing food, health care, and a number of other critical services for vulnerable seniors. Each and every one of these groups plays a vital role in serving those who live day-by-day.\n\u201cYou have all demonstrated a commitment to this type of service. Hoops for Youth for instance, does an exceptional job at supporting at-risk kids, giving them an opportunity to grow in a safe environment, learn leadership and teamwork, and continue their education in a supportive, safe environment. Simply put, it gives kids a chance. \n\u201cWe need to make sure that we give all families a chance, and with the holiday season fast approaching, I can think of no better time to offer a helping hand to those in need. Thank you again for being here today, for your involvement and commitment to service. May you all have a blessed holiday season.\u201d\nCongressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361321"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.5559298917651176, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}