06.21.18

Scott Statement on Passage of House Republican Farm Bill

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, commonly known as the Farm Bill.

“The Farm Bill is traditionally a bipartisan piece of legislation that recognizes the importance of agriculture to the economy and the social fabric of communities across the country. Unfortunately, House Republicans broke that tradition today by advancing a partisan bill that makes deep cuts to food assistance programs and makes it harder for millions of Americans from all walks of life to make ends meet.

“By erecting new barriers that will prevent struggling people from receiving SNAP benefits, the Republican bill would cut $23 billion from this vital food assistance program. It would also cut access to free school meals for 265,000 children and undermine school nutrition standards, despite the mountain of evidence showing a healthy diet is vital to helping students reach their full potential.

“After passing a nearly $2 trillion tax cut for the wealthy and corporations, it is shameful that Republicans are asking poor families and children to foot the bill. I hope they will consider the devastating impact this legislation will have on our economy and work with Democrats to rewrite this legislation so that it ensures financial security for farmers and families across America.”