House, Senate Must Compromise on Food Stamps

House, Senate Must Compromise on Food Stamps

Spending Restraint Needed in the Face of Growing Costs

(Washington, D.C.) – With House passage of H.R. 3102, the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act, Congressional leaders must soon determine how to reconcile competing version of legislation to reauthorize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also called SNAP or Food Stamps). Consistent with previous practice, the Senate has attached its version of the SNAP legislation to provisions extending farm assistance. The House has split those two measures, and imposed a reduction of about 5 percent annually in Food Stamp spending – which has climbed to nearly $80 billion annually. In addition to extending this food aid, H.R. 3102 would allow states to add work requirements as a condition of receiving SNAP assistance, but would not require them to do so. 

Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative released the following statement:

"It has been years since the U.S. economy has seen strong private sector growth consistent with a real recovery. Instead of jobs and economic opportunity, millions of Americans are instead getting more government benefits – such as Food Stamps. Since President Obama took office, we have added 14 million people to the list of those receiving this food assistance.

"Although it may be well-intentioned, the expansion of taxpayer-funded benefits isn't a good thing for those who receive a check; it doesn't come with the tools needed to build a self-sustaining, long-term future. That means that leaders in both parties must come together on a new course – one that will restore real economic growth. Throughout American history, we have consistently overcome poverty and built communities by creating jobs and opportunity. Now more than ever, Washington should be unleashing the private sector job creation that is the ultimate answer to the growing problem of dependency."

For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact:  Judy Pino, 202-578-6424 or Brian Faughnan, 571-257-3309.