Rank and file Republicans forced party leaders to strip out the entire section of the Farm Bill that deals with the nation’s nutrition and food stamp programs. It squeaked by without a single Democratic vote. South Florida Democratic Congressman Alcee Hastings says removing food stamps from the Farm Bill is a slap in the face to low income families.“But the working poor are finding themselves in need of food stamps and I see it at the grocery store when I go to shop myself", Hastings said. "People that are not happy to have to use food stamps but it is the supplement that they need in order to meet their nutrition needs with their families.”
Some Republicans aren’t happy the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – or SNAP – was stripped out either. South Florida Republican IleanaRos-Lehtinen supported the bill but says she wants the SNAP program put back in when House and Senate lawmakers hammer out their differences on their competing Farm bills.
“No, we’re optimistic that we’ll have the opportunity to pass the SNAP program. It’s vital. It’s necessary", Ros-Lehtinen urged. "We must pass it.”
Republican leaders are promising to bring their proposal to slash $20 billion from food stamps to the floor as a standalone bill in the near future.