Emanuel Cleaver: “I want to begin by saying that there are a lot of things in this farm bill that I actually agree with, and I would like…”

“I want to begin by saying that there are a lot of things in this farm bill that I actually agree with, and I would like to be supportive of such components of this bill. I agree with and would like to be a partner in getting this bill passed. However, there are some things I need to mention. For the last 50 years, Democrats and Republicans have worked together to combine food and farming programs in a bipartisan effort. However, when discussing the 2018 farm bill, which will come up for a vote very soon, I want to shed some light on some things that don't quite add up, some things that aren't what I would call common sense. In essence, this bill aims to restrict eligibility and reduce benefits of the Nation's most effective antihunger program, SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. Moreover, this proposed bill dumps a massive burden on State governments. Therefore, although I intend to be an active partner in the final passage of this legislation, I cannot and will not support the 2018 farm bill until the necessary changes are made. If enacted, this bill, as it is currently designed, will deal damaging blows to the very heart of America by cutting nearly $20 billion from SNAP, resulting in higher levels of hunger, poverty, and critical health problems. I want to take just a minute to remind my colleagues and those who are watching at home who the SNAP recipients are.…”