House Passes a "Farm-Only" Farm Bill

Statement

Today the U.S. House of Representatives achieved the unthinkable by passing a farm-only farm bill that divorces the controversial food stamp program from U.S. agriculture policy. The long time goal of House conservatives passed 216 to 208.

Every Texas Republican in Congress voted for the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 which includes major reforms in crop insurance and the elimination of over 100 duplicative programs.

"In the past, reasonable efforts to reform specific farm programs have always been overwhelmed by food stamp politics. It's long past time to break this alliance," said Texas Congressman Kevin Brady. "While this legislation isn't perfect, it eliminates or streamlines a number of programs and moves us towards the policy reforms our vital agriculture industry needs."

"As a conservative, I believe a farm-only farm bill is a major step in the right direction and just plain common sense. Next, we need to focus on reforming the explosive, unchecked food stamp program."

Source