House Democrats oppose Republican farm bill

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Republican Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Penn.) is excited for the farm bill to hit the House floor.

“We brought the voices of American agriculture to the table,” Thompson said.

The House farm bill includes nutrition program assistance and rural support funding like net crop insurance.

“It allows a farmer and a rancher to pay, to pay enough bills off to keep farming for the following year,” Thompson said.

Thompson is also proud the farm bill includes critical support for dairy farmers, especially in his central Pennsylvania district.

“Dairy is our largest commodity. And the dairy margin coverage is, a fairly new, risk management program,” Thompson said.

About 80% of the farm bill is dedicated to food and nutrition programs, like SNAP, which Thompson says is necessary.

“The nutrition title is about food security and it and, and rural America. We should take great pride that we help neighbors in need,” Thompson said, “This is a really strong bipartisan bill.”

House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) doesn’t agree.

“That, in fact, is an inaccurate statement. But no surprise,” Jeffries said.

Jeffries criticized the bill for cutting nearly $30 billion in food and nutrition assistance and says it will fail because of that.

“No one. Believes with any degree of credibility that the farm bill that emerged out of the AG committee has a shot,” Jeffries said.

Despite Jeffries’ expectations, the Senate has a similar version of the farm bill and Thompson is confident both versions will pass, and the chambers will meet in the middle.

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