Food stamp revamp sparks GOP fight over farm bill
A Republican-led effort to overhaul the federal food stamps program in this year’s farm bill has sparked a bitter fight in the House, which could derail the measure’s chances for passage.
The agricultural legislation includes language that would tighten the work requirements for millions of food stamp recipients and shift more federal funding toward job training — a key priority for retiring Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).
While the provision has helped woo conservatives who would normally oppose the farm bill, the stricter eligibility requirements have repelled moderate Republicans and nearly all Democrats.
“I have concerns regarding SNAP [the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program],” said Rep. Leonard Lance (R-N.J.), who is facing a tough reelection bid. “Those from New Jersey who have come into my office have said they would be unable to fulfill the requirements.”
A few hard-line conservatives oppose the proposal because it doesn’t actually cut funding from SNAP, also known as food stamps, which provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families.
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/386821-food-stamp-revamp-sparks-gop-fight-over-farm-bill
