Murphy Votes to Reform and Strengthen Safety Net For Low-Income Families, Farmers

Press Release

Rep. Tim Murphy (PA-18) today released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 3102, the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013. The legislation passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 217-210.

"With passage of the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act today, we've moved the process forward so a final legislative product can be worked out. I fully expect the House-Senate conference committee to bring the total dollar amount of savings to a level more in line with initial House efforts to ensure needy families will not go hungry," said Murphy.

This legislation reforms federal food-assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Spending on SNAP has more than doubled since 2007. The bill restores the ability of states to establish programs for food stamp recipients modeled on the successful welfare-to-work reforms of 1996. Under H.R. 3102, states could require healthy, able-bodied childless adults to work, volunteer, or participate in a job-training program as a condition of receiving food stamps. No longer will individuals who are able to work be permitted to use federal benefits designed to help the neediest citizens.

"In a time of diminishing federal resources, the legislation advances important reforms to ensure those most needing assistance receive it while encouraging able-bodied childless adults who can work to find employment or volunteer in their community. The bill also prevents lotto winners and persons with hidden assets from taking advantage of a program established to help families, and, in particular, children in need," continued Murphy.

The bill creates greater accountability and oversight measures in the SNAP program by prohibiting undocumented immigrants, lottery winners, traditional college students, and convicted violent criminals from receiving food stamps. It also increases federal oversight of retailers accepting SNAP benefits to ensure those stores do not participate in schemes and fraudulent practices.

"Together, these reforms will put in place a financially stable food-assistance program," said Murphy. "These reforms are based on an extensive review of the program's shortcomings and will move the process of reauthorization of agricultural and food stamp programs forward."

In order for a joint Conference Committee to resolve a five-year Farm Bill that includes SNAP funding, the House had to move separate legislation dedicated to nutrition programs. This legislation allows members from both chambers in Congress to begin the final stages of passing a long-term compromise on the Farm Bill. Without further action, the Farm Bill and the SNAP program will expire on September 30th.

Source