Deep Cuts in Food Stamps Said Averted in Farm-Bill Deal
Deep cuts in U.S. food-stamp spending sought by House Republicans were averted in a tentative agreement on a much-delayed agriculture bill, according to a congressional aide familiar with the matter.
The proposed farm legislation crafted by U.S. lawmakers, billed as saving $24 billion through food-stamp cuts and the end of a direct-payment program for farmers, may advance to the Senate after a vote in the House of Representatives that could take place as soon as Jan. 29.
By approving a plan that largely keeps food stamps intact and preserves most farm subsidies, an urban-rural coalition has been maintained amid a tough political environment that saw an earlier plan rejected in the House. If it passes, the agreement would be another bipartisan achievement by a Congress faulted for a lack of legislative success.
Members of the House and Senate agriculture conference committee are being asked to sign off on the plan today, after weekend talks. The House plans to act before leaving town this week for party strategy meetings.
Some of the savings may go to compensate counties with large swaths of untaxed federal land, a $450 million item House Speaker John Boehner assured lawmakers earlier this month would be in the bill.
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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-27/deep-cuts-in-food-stamps-said-averted-in-farm-bill-deal.html
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