On April 18th members of the House Agriculture Committee voted the Conaway Farm Bill Proposal out of Committee on a strict party line vote of 26-20. We were disheartened to see two California Congressmen, Representatives Jeff Denham (CA-10) and Doug LaMalfa (CA-1), support the harmful proposal even though it would increase hunger and hardship in their own districts. We are thankful to Representatives Costa (CA-16) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) for voting no and for their strong and vocal support of anti-hunger programs at today’s hearing.
CHAIRMAN CONAWAY’S HARMFUL FARM BILL PROPOSAL WILL NOW HEAD TO THE HOUSE FLOOR
Similar to the recent fight to protect health care, we expect the vote in the House to be close. We need all hands on deck to make sure California’s Representatives hear from their constituents about the harm that would be caused by Chairman Conaway’s Farm Bill proposal. Here are three things you can do:
1.) Call and Tweet to Representatives Jeff Denham (202-225-4540) and Doug LaMalfa (202-225-3076) and let them know you are disappointed with their vote on the Conaway Farm Bill Proposal.
2.) Call and Tweet to Representatives Jim Costa (202-225-3341) and Jimmy Panetta (202-225-2861) and thank them for speaking up in strong support of SNAP during the hearing.
3.) Reach out to your Representative and tell them to reject Chairman Conaway’s proposal when it moves to the floor for a full vote. Phone calls, emails, posts to social media, and arranging member meetings for the first week of May when the Members will be back at home in district are all effective ways to make your voice heard in support of protecting SNAP/CalFresh from cuts. To find your Representative and their contact information, call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or use this link. Tell them to: “Reject Chairman Conaway’s proposal that would cut vital food assistance for millions of low-income working families, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Farm Bill should be bi-partisan and protect SNAP/CalFresh for the people who need it to help put food on the table.”
For more information about the Farm Bill, including a more detailed analysis of the Conaway Farm Bill proposal’s impact on California, visit: CFPA’s Farm Bill page.
For more information on the entire nutrition title of the Farm Bill, read the detailed analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Questions? Contact Jared Call at 213.482.8200 ext 201 or Melissa Cannon at 510.433.1122 ext 102
