Don't Play Politics with Food Support

Floor Speech

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I am still hurting from the farm bill debate last week. I was looking forward to a bipartisan compromise on farm programs as well as nutrition programs. But as we all know, the Republicans removed the food title from the farm bill and narrowly passed it on a vote of 216-208. I am proud that not a single Democrat voted for this ill-conceived bill denying food support for food banks and millions of Americans.

The House farm bill was passed. I now urge House conferees to meet with Senate conferees and reauthorize the farm bill with nutrition before the August recess.

I am beginning to hear rumors that the Republican leadership may be considering a stand-alone rewrite of the food stamp program to cut nutrition by $135 billion. I hope that's a rumor and not fact. If it's a fact, many of us will speak as loudly as we have ever spoken before on this floor.

Please let the conference committee meet and resolve the difference between the House and Senate. Don't play politics with food support for low-income American citizens.

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