Today’s debate on the farm bill will feature a sugar reform proposal and an amendment to phase out commodity program and crop insurance subsidies. Wednesday’s debate wasn’t too controversial. As the debate began on the House floor, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway urged the passage of the bill. “I respect my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, but I do want to be clear about something. This farm bill in no way, shape or form disrespects Americans who depend on SNAP.”
As expected, ranking Member Collin Peterson opposed the farm bill for many reasons, including the SNAP provision. “It’s not food stamps causing people not to work. That’s my big objection this. It’s ideology run amuck. It’s screwing up the process here. I hope we don’t do so much damage we can’t pull this back together at the end of the day and get this done. I’m going to vote against H.R. 2 and I urge all of my colleagues to do this as well.”