House Republicans and Democrats voted 251-166 Wednesday to pass the 2014 farm bill conference report. The wide-ranging bill ends direct payments to farmers cutting $23 billion in federal spending while trimming about $8 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps.
Representative David Price (NC-04), who supported the farm bill, stressed that North Carolina will continue to receive its full share of funding for the food stamp program. (Click here to read how other states (but not North Carolina) have benefited from a food stamp loophole known as HEAT AND eat.)
“The Farm Bill includes market-based reforms to farm safety net programs, strengthens farmers markets around the country, gives food banks access to new resources, supports new agricultural research, and aids crucial conservation and environmental protection efforts,” Rep. Price said. “However, my support is also based on assurances that North Carolina will continue receiving its full share of funding for the food stamp program. The bill doesn’t’ include everything Democrats or Republicans wanted, but it is a fair deal for farmers, the state of North Carolina, and taxpayers. I am confident it will help grow our state’s largest industry.”
Rep. Mike McIntyre (NC-07) also praised the bill, tweeting that it would benefit the economy:
The measure also increases funding by $20 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which supports food banks.
The U.S. Senate is expected to take up the bill as early as next week.
Here’s how North Carolina’s House delegation voted Wednesday:
Yea
Rep. G.K. Butterfield – 1st District
Rep. Renee Ellmers – 2nd District
Rep. David Price – 4th District
Rep. Howard Coble – 6th District
Rep. Mike McIntyre – 7th District
Rep. Richard Hudson – 8th District
Rep. Patrick McHenry – 10th District
Rep. Mark Meadows – 11th District
Nay
Rep. Virginia Foxx – 5th District
Rep. Robert Pittenger – 9th District
Rep. George Holding – 13th District
Not Voting
Rep. Walter Jones – 3rd District
* 12th district is unrepresented with the departure of Rep. Mel Watt
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