[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 17, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H3352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          OPPOSE THE FARM BILL

  (Ms. DeLAURO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the recently 
released farm bill for 2018.
  Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration want to 
unravel the social safety net, and according to the Center on Budget 
and Policy Priorities, this farm bill cuts total Supplemental Nutrition 
Assistance Program benefits--that is the Food Stamp program--by more 
than $23 billion.
  Its stricter work requirements could affect 5 million Americans who 
receive food stamps in this country--children, seniors, the disabled, 
and, yes, veterans--even though most recipients who can work already 
do.
  All told, 2 million would lose some or all of their benefits. To my 
colleagues I say, these are not just numbers on a page; these are 
people who are in need.
  At the same time, Republicans want to expand the ill-targeted 
commodity programs. They will maintain crop insurance subsidies that 
have no eligibility requirements or limits.
  This farm bill is not reform; it is hypocrisy. No one in this Chamber 
goes hungry. They have three squares or more. I urge my colleagues to 
defend the Food Stamp program and oppose this farm bill.

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