12.2.2013 With Congress set to recess on December 13th and the extension of the 2008 Farm Bill expiring at the end of 2013, the future of the Farm Bill is unclear. The Farm Bill Conference Committee is tasked with reconciling the House and Senate proposals, which include cuts to SNAP (by $40 billion in the House proposal and by $4 billion in the Senate proposal). Because SNAP plays a crtical role in the U.S. safety net by assisting low-income households and boosting local economies, any cuts to SNAP funding would be devastating.
Here’s a brief review of possible scenarios come December 13th:
1) The Conference Committee reaches an agreement to reauthorize the Farm Bill, which may cut SNAP funding somewhere within the proposed $4 and $40 billion, and sends it back to the House and Senate for a vote.
2) The Conference Committee fails to reach an agreement to reauthorize the Farm Bill
– While no immediate SNAP cuts would occur, on January 15th, the Continuing Resolution to fund the Federal government expires so SNAP cuts may be included in a budget deal or appropriations bill for 2014.
– Congress may pass a temporary extension of the Farm Bill, as they did in 2012. An extension would maintain current funding for SNAP, but on January 15th the Continuing Resolution to fund the Federal government expires and SNAP cuts may be included in a budget deal or appropriations bill for 2014.
Regardless of what happens in the coming weeks, CFPA will continue to push for a Farm Bill that preserves the U.S. safety net, with no cuts to SNAP funding.
New Reports, Upcoming Actions:
White House Report, “Supporting Families, Strengthening Communities: The Economic Importance of Nutrition Assistance” Link
National Day of Action: Join Feeding America’s Thunderclap. 12/4, 12pm EST. Sign up in advance Link
