Congresswoman Duckworth Votes Against cuts to SNAP

WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. (8th CD), issued the following news release:

Today, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) voted against the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (FARRM Act). The legislation would make drastic cuts of $20.5 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over 10 years. The hyper-partisan bill failed by a vote 194-235, with 62 members of the majority voting against it.

"I am deeply disappointed that the majority has made the farm bill into a partisan piece of legislation with draconian cuts to the SNAP program," said Duckworth. "There are many positive aspects of this legislation that would accomplish a great deal for American farmers. I would have been proud to vote for this bill, if it had not been for cuts to a program that literally keeps children from going hungry. Now it is time for Democrats and Republicans to come together to pass a farm bill that stands up for our farmers without endangering the health of American families."

Duckworth stood up for farmers by voting against amendments that weakened the agriculture provisions in the bill, like those that compromised crop insurance and the commodity title. She also voted to protect programs that help farmers establish strong export markets for their crops.

Congresswoman Duckworth supports a bipartisan farm bill in the Senate that reforms farm programs, provides certainty for America's farmers and expands access to healthy food with more organic options.

Earlier today, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) spoke out against cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Watch Rep. Duckworth's Speechhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eT5Dj7ZmMc&feature=youtu.be

Congresswoman Duckworth also offered an amendment to H.R. 1947 which would require the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress on the effects of SNAP cuts on charitable food providers, like food banks and soup kitchens.

Charities including the Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry in Schaumburg, IL and the Greater Chicago Food Depository would be greatly impacted by the drastic cuts.

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