$939 billion farm bill fails in House

FAIRFAX, VA — Americans for Limited Government vice president of public policy and communications Rick Manning today issued the following statement praising the failure of the $939 billion so-called farm bill in the House of Representatives that had included about $750 billion for food stamps alone:

“The failure of the farm bill is a boon to taxpayers, who were going to be on the hook for $750 billion for food stamps over the next decade. Increases in eligibility for the food stamps program in recent years has, combined with the current recession and high unemployment, led to an explosion of program participation. Now, more than 47 million Americans are on food stamps, yet the program has zero transparency, with neither taxpayers nor Congress having any idea what food stamps are even spent on.

“This should be a signal to Congress to at least separate the so-called farm bill in two. Farm subsidies and food stamps should each be considered on their merits. Both programs are in need of considerable reform.  It is time for Congress to begin considering what is in the best interests of taxpayers instead of constantly doling out corporate subsidies and expanding welfare without question.

“Americans for Limited Government thanks the 62 House Republicans who stood on principle against this wasteful legislation.”