Agricultural News
Chairman Lucas Explains Logic of Farm BIll SNAP Program Cuts- Audio
Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:14:50 CDT
The Chairman of the House Ag Committee, Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas, had the final word on Tuesday afternoon on the floor of the US House as the hour of general debate concluded for HR 1947, the FARRM Act. Lucas took the final moments of the hour allocated to general debate on the five year farm bill to offer his take on the level of reduction in spending for Nutrition programs.
Democrats lamented the level of cuts, estimated at $20 billion over a ten year period, claiming that millions of Americans would lose food stamps under this plan. Lucas countered by telling the House that the Committee devised a plan that would have people needing food stamps to prove their eligibility "in a way that would not deny an individual who was qualified by income or assets from receiving help." He added that there was no intent to "work hardship on any one."
Lucas then admonished his colleagues not to try to offer amendments that could keep the overall bill from dying on the House floor. "Be good legislators, be thoughful legislators, do what's right." Lucas added that he had faith in his fellow lawmakers that good amendments and debate will allow perfections to the bill be made and that "we'll move forward." Forward for Chairman Lucas is to get 218 votes in favor of the passage of the underlying bill sometime on Thursday, which will then point him towards a Conference that he will chair between the House and the Senate.
Click on the LISTEN BAR below to hear this final plea by Chairman Lucas in advance of the start of consideration of amendments to HR 1947 on Wednesday morning.
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