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(Image source: The New York Times)
BY JOHN O'CONNOR
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved a scaled-back version of
the farm bill Thursday after stripping out the popular food stamp program used by more
than 47 million Americans.
House Democrats chastised Republicans for the move — claiming the GOP is ignoring
initiatives they argue poor Americans need to keep from going hungry. The watered-down
bill passed mostly along party lines 216-208. (Via C-SPAN)
The farm bill is the primary agriculture policy tool of the federal government, and has major
implications on food trade, safety and more. The U.S. Congress is responsible for drafting
new agriculture policy every five years. (Via YouTube / TheEdgeOfFarming)
The food stamp program — formally known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
— represents 80 percent of the bill's original cost, and is the centerpiece for bipartisan
support in the Senate-passed version of the bill.
According to CNN, food stamps cover more than 47 million Americans — nearly half of which
are children — and is the nation's largest domestic safety net against hunger. (Via CNN)
The New York Times explains it is the first time food stamps have not been a part of the
bill since 1973.
"By splitting farm policy from food stamps, the House effectively ended the decades-old
political marriage between urban interests concerned about nutrition and rural areas
who depend on farm subsidies."
But House Republicans say it was a necessary move. Current farm policy ends on September
30th, and without major cuts in spending, Republican lawmakers were fearful they wouldn't
be able to garner enough support to pass new legislation in time.
The Senate overwhelmingly passed its version of the bill — which includes the food stamp
program — in June. House and Senate negotiators may be able to produce a compromise measure
on the program, but House Republicans say they'd rather keep food stamps entirely separate
from the bill. (Via USA Today)
House leaders expect to vote on the now-separated food stamps program in the next week or two.
The White House says it will veto the farm bill if the final draft of the legislation
does not include food stamps.