Rokita Praises Food Stamp Reforms, Calls for Action on Farm Bill

Press Release

Representative Todd Rokita today released the following statement upon the passage of the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013, legislation that saves taxpayers nearly $40 billion over the next decade by tightening food stamp eligibility and work requirements, stamping out fraud and strengthening the program for those truly in need. The legislation passed 217-210.

"This food stamp reform legislation is a victory for hardworking Americans who struggle and sacrifice to put food on the table for their families under the failed economic policies of this administration. Americans should not have their tax dollars wasted on fraud and abuse in a failing food stamp system," Rokita said.

"I am committed to seeing a farm bill become law that locks in important reforms to protect taxpayers and promote good, fiscally responsible agriculture policy. The first farm bill we voted on this year, which did not pass, may have been a missed opportunity because while not perfect, it achieved historic agriculture and food stamp spending reform."

Loopholes in the law have allowed people to enroll in food stamps even though their income exceeds the normal threshold. The number of able-bodied adults under the age of 50 without children enrolled on the program grew by 164 percent from 2007 to 2011. And many states have exacerbated the problem by waiving the work requirements. Meanwhile, the Federal government has launched unprecedented advertising campaigns to encourage even more Americans to join the food stamp rolls.

This bill not only restores the integrity of this safety-net program, it will help beneficiaries become more self-sufficient. The Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013 will ensure that work requirements for able-bodied adults without children,

Eliminate the ability of individuals to be deemed "categorically eligible" when they don't meet the income or asset requirements for public assistance
Prevent the gaming of the system through the "heat-and-eat loophole" whereby food stamp benefits are increased above what individuals are entitled to received
Prevent taxpayer funded advocacy campaign designed to sell people on enrolling in the food stamp program
Empower states to engage able-bodied parents in work and job training as part of receiving food stamps

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