Shea-Porter Statement on House Passage of the Farm Bill

Statement

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter released the following statement after voting for the Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill:

"This bill is far from perfect, but I heard overwhelmingly from Granite State farmers and small businesses that this legislation would help them grow New Hampshire's economy and put food on our tables. I also heard from anti-hunger advocates who share my deep disappointment in this legislation's cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and they told me that they support this bill because it would reduce the proposed level of cuts and increase funding for emergency food assistance programs.

"It is outrageous that this legislation gives away millions of dollars to big agriculture corporations while reducing funding for SNAP. But I supported this bill because the good outweighs the bad.

"This bill would help New Hampshire's small farmers, military veteran farmers, organic farmers, and multi-purpose farms grow and prosper. This legislation would increase funding for New Hampshire food banks. It would require country-of-origin labeling for imported meat. It would continue the Forest Legacy program, and it would support renewable energy and ensure conservation compliance for crop insurance.

"Ultimately, this legislation will save taxpayers $16.6 billion, and I strongly believe we should use these savings to extend emergency unemployment benefits for the 1.6 million Americans who have lost work through no fault of their own. If Congress can work together to pass a 950-page Farm Bill, surely we can agree to invest in our economy and support job-seeking Americans."

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