U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, II welcomed House approval today of his amendment giving states the option to implement work requirements for able-bodied Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries, while denouncing House Democrats for playing politics and killing the underlying 2013 Farm Bill. Southerland's amendment, which passed the House by a 227-198 margin, was based on the successful work requirements included in the bipartisan welfare reform law of 1996 that reduced welfare caseloads by more than 60% nationally.
"A majority of the House took a stand today on the side of empowering individuals in need with the same sensible work and job training requirements as those included in bipartisan welfare reform of the 1990s. Our amendment provided states with the voluntary option of following a proven path to self-sufficiency, while ensuring the most vulnerable among us receive the support they need in a more efficient and effective manner.
"Unfortunately, some of my colleagues resorted to last minute political posturing and scare tactics that derailed an entire Farm Bill that America's farmers and agricultural industries desperately need. I remain committed to advancing a Farm Bill out of the House, and to upholding the value of work for able-bodied Americans."