Poliquin’s bill would close a loophole that currently allows those with a federal conviction of terrorism or being an accomplice to terrorism to receive welfare food stamps.

Congressman Bruce Poliquin was in Lewiston last week to announce a federal welfare reform bill he is introducing to ensure that convicted terrorists never receive taxpayer-funded benefits. The bill will close a loophole that currently allows those with a federal conviction of terrorism or being an accomplice to terrorism to receive welfare food stamps.

At the announcement at his Lewiston constituent services office at 179 Lisbon Street, Poliquin explained that the five accomplices of the deadly Boston Marathon bombing who will be released starting as early as next year are an example of those who currently qualify for food stamps.

“I am shocked that our current law does not prevent the criminals who have been convicted of plotting and carrying out acts of terrorism against innocent Americans, including young kids, from getting welfare benefits,” said Congressman Poliquin. “Terrorist victims and their families should never be forced to fund those who harmed them. This bill guarantees this will never happen.”

Poliquin said he believes his commonsense welfare reform will get overwhelming support in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represents Maine’s Second Congressional District. While his main focus remains on jobs and growing the economy, Poliquin has been successful in getting other legislation signed into law to help state and local support enforcement agencies aid children due child support.

While in Lewiston, Congressman Poliquin also toured Quoddy Footwear, Grace Street Recovery Center, and the Dempsey Center for Hope & Healing, and spoke about creating jobs at the Lewiston-Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

He also returned for the second time to the Lewiston Vet Center, where last year he exposed serious staffing shortages that were limiting veterans’ access to important mental health services. At the Vet Center, he welcomed new Team Leader Scott Hutcherson and presented him with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in appreciation for the facility at 29 Westminster Street, which serves the second highest number of veterans of any Vet Center in the Northeast.