Newhouse Likes What He Sees In 2018 Farm Bill

The proposed 2018 Farm Bill is floating in the House and its reception is mixed at this point.  Representative Dan Newhouse said he likes what he sees as far as Farm Policy is concerned.  He added that current commodity prices are considerably lower than when the previous Farm Bill was written in 2014.

“So, I think it’s important for us to pass a Farm Bill because those in ag country certainly will be needing the support that it provides.”

Newhouse acknowledged much of the attention on the Farm Bill is changes to the food nutrition portion.  He said SNAP and other programs must be a springboard out of poverty, rather than keeping people in a cycle where they depend on the government.  Newhouse added the changed proposed by House Republicans will allow states the flexibility to determine how to best run their local program.

“How they determine which groups of individuals can be qualified for federal assistance. So, overall I think that this makes some significant reforms.”

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