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Oppose the Farm Bill

Floor Speech

Date: April 17, 2018
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Entitlements and the Safety Net

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Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the recently released farm bill for 2018.

Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration want to unravel the social safety net, and according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, this farm bill cuts total Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits--that is the Food Stamp program--by more than $23 billion.

Its stricter work requirements could affect 5 million Americans who receive food stamps in this country--children, seniors, the disabled, and, yes, veterans--even though most recipients who can work already do.

All told, 2 million would lose some or all of their benefits. To my colleagues I say, these are not just numbers on a page; these are people who are in need.

At the same time, Republicans want to expand the ill-targeted commodity programs. They will maintain crop insurance subsidies that have no eligibility requirements or limits.

This farm bill is not reform; it is hypocrisy. No one in this Chamber goes hungry. They have three squares or more. I urge my colleagues to defend the Food Stamp program and oppose this farm bill.

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