FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
US House of Representatives Passes Dangerous Farm Bill That Would Leave Millions of Americans Hungry
Jun 22, 2018 – Philabundance is extremely disheartened that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the House Farm Bill yesterday. This Farm Bill included dangerous work requirements and strict time limits that would cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $19 billion. Almost two million Pennsylvanians depend on SNAP to get ahead during difficult times, and this Farm Bill takes an axe to this critical anti-hunger program.
At Philabundance, we support work as a pathway to self-sufficiency, which is why we run a job training program, the Philabundance Community Kitchen. However, the work requirements written into the Farm Bill will only serve to set time limits on some people receiving SNAP, and will not encourage work. The House Farm Bill will punish those who work irregular hours, are taking care of a loved one, or are searching for work. We know that taking away someone’s food will not encourage them to find work.
We would like to thank Congressman Boyle, Brady, Evans and Fitzpatrick for voting against the House Farm Bill and standing up for the 1.8 million Pennsylvanians who use SNAP to get ahead. Congressman Fitzpatrick was one of just 20 House Republicans who voted against this dangerous bill.
The Senate has drafted a better piece of bipartisan legislation that protects SNAP, and we encourage Congress to drop the House bill in support of the Senate bill. The Senate has realized the importance of working together to help our most vulnerable citizens. We are asking Senators Casey and Toomey to support the bipartisan Senate Farm Bill and reject any provisions from the House Farm Bill that would cut SNAP and harm the millions of Americans struggling to get ahead.
We hope to see a better outcome for those facing hunger when the Senate debates and votes on their version of the Farm Bill, likely next week.
Glenn Bergman | Executive Director
Martha Sherman | Interim Government Affairs Manager
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