Smucker Statement on House Passage of Farm Bill

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) issued the following statement after the House passed the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018:

"I'm proud to support this legislation that will help our struggling farmers and improve our workforce. Our Congressional District leads the commonwealth in agricultural production and supports more than 93,000 jobs, with a total economic impact of more than $16 billion. Meanwhile, the income of farmers is at a 12-year low, and many are struggling to get their products to market and keep their farms in business.

"That's why I urged the House Agriculture Committee to prioritize issues important to our community. These include reforming the Margin Protection Program for dairy farmers and maintaining the current crop insurance program. I also urged the committee to prioritize funding to fight the spotted lanternfly -- an invasive species that is threatening our local economy. Thankfully, the legislation passed today by the House includes these important priorities.

"I believe some of the best parts of this bill are the work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the corresponding investment in federal workforce development programs. This policy is about much more than just helping those in need find and train for jobs, but also about investing in our people and the dignity that jobs provide. We want everyone to fulfill their potential and contribute to our society in a positive, meaningful way. These reforms will provide more opportunity for people to achieve the American Dream."

Background

Courtesy of the House Agriculture Committee

The Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 -- the Farm Bill -- includes important and necessary exemptions to the work requirements for SNAP beneficiaries. These exemptions include those are caring for a child under the age of six, pregnant women, mentally or physically disabled individuals, and seniors. Under this legislation, the total amount of SNAP benefits and SNAP beneficiaries would not be reduced.

The bill has been endorsed by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

Source