Food Stamps, Trade Remain Sticking Points In Farm Bill Debate

President Trump’s tariffs and the GOP push for tougher food stamp work requirements are complicating Senate farm bill debate.  Senate farm bill amendment debate was supposed to start with a rider to expand and improve the Conservation Reserve Program.  But, a couple of Republicans quickly tried to hijack the process with an amendment to limit the president’s tariff power on national security reasons.

“Farmers around our country are being hurt by this administration’s trade policies, more than 20 Farm Bills could help them," said Tennessee senator Bob Corker.  "So, it’s very important for us to address this issue now.”

The Senate farm bill meantime lacks the House bill’s 20-hour SNAP work or training requirement that would likely sink the Senate bill.  But, Senate Republicans aren’t giving food stamp recipients a pass, either, trying to reduce fraud, waste and abuse, while also considering making it harder for the states to waive existing work requirements.

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