Food Stamps Cuts Separated From Farm Bill

Food stamps cuts have been separated from the Farm Bill by House Republicans.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, arguments over food stamps cuts caused the Farm Bill to fail to pass the House.

Farm subsidies cost America’s government tens of billions of dollars each year, even though many farmers are earning more than ever thanks to high commodity prices. Both Democrats and Republicans agree that they need to eliminate direct payment to growers in order to cut some spending. The Farm Bill will also create an insurance program for livestock owners.

But even food stamps will be affected by the Farm Bill, which is a point of contention since Democrats are decrying Republican efforts to shave more off the federal budget with a cut that would primarily affect the poor. But both parties agree that food stamps should be cut by billions… just not by how much. Republicans say three percent needs to be cut but Democrats oppose any further cuts beyond half a percent.

Republicans are also considering repealing sections of laws from the 1930s and 1940s. If the 2008 Farm Bill expires the old formulas today would require the federal government to buy up enough milk to establish a minimum wholesale price more than double its current level, driving prices up. If these laws are repealed it’s possible some farm programs may become permanent.

Republicans like House Agriculture Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) endorsed splitting the food stamps cuts from the Farm Bill by saying, “Maybe the old dynamic of how we have done things since 1965 isn’t valid anymore. Maybe it is time to try something different.”

Democrats angrily reacted to the plan to split the food stamps cuts from the Farm Bill, calling it a “bill to nowhere.” The White House has also claimed that food stamps should remain tied to the Farm Bill.

What do you think about splitting up the food stamps cuts from the Farm Bill?