Lawmaker: No Farm Bill Without SNAP

The Ranking member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition says there will be no farm bill without SNAP.  Massachusetts Democrat James McGovern warned lawmakers at the opening of a hearing on the future of SNAP, “don’t even think of separating the nutrition title from the farm bill.”

He added such a move would be a "huge mistake" and guaranteed there will be no farm bill, if the committee separates SNAP.  Further, he wanted the House Agriculture Committee to not “screw around with the program.”  McGovern said there is no reason to undermine SNAP through structural changes or further restrictions.

McGovern added he has read reports that the committee may consider changing provisions to able-bodied adults without dependents. However, he says, the committee needs to find a way to make SNAP better, including increasing SNAP benefits.

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