Farm Bill Update

Well, Congress arrived back in Washington D.C. last week and they have plenty on their plate to consider. Last week House GOP Leader Eric Cantor announced that he will put the long-awaited nutrition title of the farm bill on the House floor sometime this week - possibly ending an even longer wait for House-Senate farm bill negotiations.

Cantor: "The Speaker of the House will also consider the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act authored by Agriculture Chairman Representative Lucas. This legislation restores the bi-partisan welfare reforms adopted in 1996 to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program and also refocuses on those who need it the most."

Cantor pointed out food stamp recipients would have to first meet current income and asset tests - and be willing to meet certain work requirements - to keep their benefits.

The new bill would propose $40 billion SNAP cuts over a 10 year period - but is opposed by the White House - and virtually assured of a quick death in bargaining with the Senate - raising the specter of a tough ride for any compromise cut getting back through both chambers.

But even if Cantor can't get the votes needed to cut billions from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - House Ag Chair Frank Lucas said a farm bill conference committee would proceed. According to Lucas - a vote on that bill - up or down - enables them to move forward with the conference committee process.