Rep. Fudge Statement on House Passage of the Bipartisan Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement after the House voted today to approve  the Conference Report on H.R. 2642 – Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (H.R.2642), known as the Farm Bill:

“Through the leadership of House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson (MN-7), Chairman Frank Lucas (OK-3), Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Ranking Member Thad Cochran (MS), the Farm Bill Conference Committee proved it is still possible for Congress to work through immense differences and produce a fair, bipartisan bill that meets the needs of the American people while reducing federal spending by $23 billion.  I thank Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi for the opportunity to serve as her appointed representative on the Committee” said Congresswoman Fudge.

“Although I do not agree with some provisions of the bill, I believe it was the right decision to vote for legislation that prevents devastating cuts to SNAP (food stamps), improves access to nutritional offerings, and expands economic investment in low income and urban communities, as well as provides certainty and sound agricultural policies for America’s farmers and ranchers.”

“The $8.6 billion in savings to SNAP over 10 years will be achieved through a change in LIHEAP policy.   While it was a difficult compromise to accept,  it’s worth noting that two-thirds of all states, including Ohio, will not be affected by this change.  Approximately 850 thousand households in 16 impacted states that are currently deemed eligible for SNAP will continue to be eligible, although in  some cases their benefits could be reduced.  On balance, I am pleased the 47 million Americans who currently rely on the program will not be subjected to the $40 billion in program cuts that were included in the nutrition bill passed by the House last September.”

Nutrition

The nutrition components of this legislation advance or retain other programs critically needed to help struggling families, seniors and the disabled put food on the table.  The bill includes the following:

·         Provides an additional $200 million   to support food banks and pantries for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP);

·         Reauthorizes the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program to include low-income families; and

·         Maintains funding for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and establishes a pilot to allow elementary schools with a high proportion of low-income students to purchase fresh, frozen, canned 
           and dried produce.

 

 Expanded Investment/ Healthy Food Access in Urban Communities

The farm bill expands investment and opportunity for specialty growers, urban communities, small farms, and beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.  It includes three provisions either introduced or championed through the efforts of Congresswoman Fudge:

                ·         Creates the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, which provides grants and tax incentives to food retailers to operate in underserved communities.  HFFI is authorized at a level of $125 million so
                           USDA can provide financial incentives through community development financial institutions(CDFIs);              

·         Clarifies that youth loans are not limited to rural residents and will now be available to urban residents as well; and

·         Authorizes Microloan Program to target loans of $50,000 or less to new or non-traditional producers, and creates a pilot relending program with CDFIs to make or guarantee microloans.

 

Savings/Conservation

The farm bill eliminates wasteful practices while consolidating conservation programs without weakening their effectiveness.  It does the following:

·         Repeals direct payments, saving taxpayers nearly $40 billion and ensuring that farmers who do not need help will be prohibited from receiving government subsidies;

·         Establishes payment limits on farm safety net programs which were previously unlimited;

·         Requires conservation compliance to receive crop insurance premium assistance; and

·         Provides $250 million in mandatory funding for the Small Watershed Rehabilitation Program.

 

##