Congressman Alex Mooney Statement on Farm Bill
Today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney voted in favor of H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. While the bill did not have enough votes to pass today, a motion to reconsider the vote was postponed so it can be voted on at a later date. Congressman Mooney released the following statement:
“I proudly voted in favor of H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 to support American farmers. The federal Farm Bill follows West Virginia’s lead in enacting conservative reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), frequently referred to as food stamps.
In my recent roundtable discussions in Hardy, Calhoun and Wirt counties, I heard first-hand about the important role the Department of Agriculture plays in providing assistance to our communities.
The Farm Bill strengthens rural development assistance programs for communities and allows Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to prioritize projects that help communities, much like those in West Virginia, to overcome food shortages.
Farmers work very long hours every week to feed our nation, so the 20 hours per week work requirement for able bodied adults seems reasonable.
I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and President Donald Trump to pass a Farm Bill that reforms these programs to get more people back into the workforce and providing for their families”, said Congressman Mooney.
The work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would apply to able bodied individuals under the age of 59 with no dependent children. It provides exceptions for those who are physically or mentally disabled and pregnant women. The bill requires 20 hours per week of participation in a work program or education or training.
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