FRAC President Jim Weill’s Reaction to House Passage of H.R. 2642

From Food Research and Action Center - July 12, 2013 Federal Nutrition Programs Update:

On July 11th the House passed a partial Farm Bill (H.R. 2642) that dropped the nutrition title entirely. The move was viewed as part of conservatives’ strategy to make SNAP cuts at a later point in the process, whether by passing a bill with nutrition provisions, by negotiating such in conference with the Senate, on its Farm Bill (S. 954), or by enacting other legislation. Nonetheless, in the meantime, SNAP, which has a permanent authorization, continues under current law subject to appropriations.

FRAC President Jim Weill’s Reaction to House Passage of H.R. 2642: “It is unfortunate that the House passed this partial Farm Bill. The nutrition title was not included, and the path that the House majority leadership is pursuing is one that does not bode well for SNAP in the House. Over the past year, the House majority leadership has used every opportunity to try to cut and weaken SNAP. The bad committee Farm Bill, the adoption of the Southerland amendment and others on the House floor, and the Ryan budget proposal all portend a new assault on SNAP after today’s action. FRAC will continue to work towards a Farm Bill that protects SNAP and the nation’s children, seniors, and working families.”

Follow this link to the online version of the FRAC statement.

Senators Oppose Bill Split: By letter dated July 11th (pdf), 17 Senators led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) urged Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to oppose splitting the Farm Bill.  Joining Senator Gillibrand in cosigning were Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mark Begich (D-AK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bob Casey (D-PA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Angus King (I-ME), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Christopher Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Tom Udall (D-NM), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

AARP Opposition: In a letter opposing H.R. 2642, AARP said: “Removal of the nutrition title of the Farm Bill represents an abandonment of the nation’s commitment to ensuring essential nutrition access for the many U.S. households that face a constant struggle against hunger and food insecurity daily as well as emergency food assistance in times of economic and natural crises or disasters. Along with helping low-income people eat healthier, more nutritious food, the nutrition programs also benefit the economy. For example, every $5 in new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits generates $9 - nearly twice as much - in total community spending.”

Message and Action Needed: 1) Thank Representatives for votes against the Farm Bill H.R. (2642) Rule and final passage. 2) Urge Representatives and Senators to protect and strengthen SNAP in any Farm Bill or other legislative vehicle, including in conference committee.

Roll Call Votes: For the vote on the Rule and final passage of H.R. 2642, follow this link to see votes 349 and 353.

Resources: For background on Farm Bill proposals and developments, including analyses of proposals to cut SNAP funding, go to the Legislative Action Center on FRAC’s website.