The House Agriculture Committee passed its version of the "Farm Bill"
down party lines on Wednesday. The reauthorization proved more contentious than
in years past, as Republican and Democratic committee members struggled to come
to agreements--arguing over the supplemental nutrition assistance program, or
SNAP, that currently helps more than 42 million poor Americans buy food.
The GOP-crafted legislation requires able-bodied adults from age 18-59 to work
or enroll in job-training programs for 20 hours a week, or they lose their
benefits. Democrats said it will create food insecurity across the country.
Republican Mike Conaway of Texas said democrats are mis-characterizing the bill
by saying it will kick people off SNAP.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue commend the committee for its work.
"The bill closely aligns with the Farm Bill Principles released by USDA in
January and is nearly identical to the legislation first introduced last
week," Perdue said. "We are encouraged that the committee heard the
voices of their constituents, who want to preserve and enhance programs
contained in the 2014 Farm Bill, as I learned in my conversations with farmers,
ranchers, foresters, and producers in 35 states in the last twelve
months."
The bill now heads to the House floor before going to the Senate for its
consideration.