Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act

Floor Speech

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, last week, the House passed the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act, or FARRM Act. Overall, the agriculture programs will save $20 billion.

This package of farm bill programs will create a more cost-effective and market-oriented framework of agriculture policies and ensure that Americans continue to have a safe and affordable food supply.

This bill did not include title IV of the committee-passed legislation, which contained significant reforms to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or food stamps, totaling an additional $20 billion in savings. Contrary to popular belief, the current SNAP program was not affected by passage of last week's FARRM Act.

The American people deserve a transparent and open debate over agriculture and nutrition programs, both of which are in dire need of reform, which is why the House will be considering reforms to SNAP in the coming weeks.

We have an opportunity to achieve a better and more efficient farm bill here, Madam Speaker. I look forward to working with colleagues in the House and Senate on a final package so that we can enact those commonsense reforms into law.

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