WASHINGTON (KFSM) — The Republican-led House has narrowly passed a sweeping farm bill that would toughen work requirements for food stamp recipients.
The bill passed 213-211.
Democrats opposed the measure, saying it would toss too many people off government food assistance.
The measure renews the safety net for farmers as President Donald Trump’s tough talk on tariffs threatens to close markets for many of their products.
The vote Thursday marked the House’s second attempt to pass a farm bill. GOP leaders suffered an embarrassing setback in May when 30 GOP members opposed passage in an effort to get a vote on immigration legislation.
The House bill sets up a certain clash with the Senate, which looks to make mostly modest adjustments to existing programs and doesn’t pick a food stamps fight.
Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) posted the following tweet following the passage of the bill, including amendments he introduced.
Congressman Steve Womack’s (AR-03) office released the following statement about the Farm Bill:
“Agriculture is critical to the Arkansas economy, and the top two farm income counties in Arkansas are in the Third District. A vibrant farm economy is essential to the Third District, and farm policy plays a key role in the success of our farming community. I am pleased that this important legislation has finally passed the House after being caught in the crossfire of an unrelated issue last month, and call on the Senate to move swiftly to aid our nation’s producers.”
