Rep. Mann Votes to Strengthen Farm Safety Net, Reform SNAP

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted to advance the House Agriculture Committee’s budget reconciliation proposal that cuts $295 billion in wasteful and fraudulent spending and makes long-overdue investments for the nation’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers. Rep. Mann released the following statement after the markup.

“America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers have been clear—they are struggling, and are in need of some degree of certainty,” said Rep. Mann. “After some Congressional Democrats held a Farm Bill hostage last Congress, House Agriculture Committee Republicans delivered to address some of the agriculture community’s most pressing needs. We made much-needed investments into rural America that protect the livelihoods of our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers, and our nation’s food supply.

“Our proposal also strengthens the safety net for America’s most vulnerable communities by uprooting fraudulent spending and making commonsense changes that ensure the SNAP program can serve those it was intended to. The proposal gets able-bodied adults back on the ladder of opportunity, giving them a fair shot at the American dream, all while ensuring that the program is a bridge to a better life instead of a permanent destination. With seven million open jobs across the country, it’s time to get America back to work.

“I’m grateful we were able to move this proposal forward, and I look forward to seeing how our work lifts Americans out of poverty and provides certainty to America’s agriculture community.”

The House Agriculture Committee’s budget reconciliation proposal: 

• Invests $60 billion in strengthening the farm safety net by expanding crop insurance and updating reference prices
• Bolsters trade promotion to correct the agricultural trade deficit left by the Biden Administration
• Provides funds to address the deferred maintenance backlog at land-grants like Kansas State University
• Invests in livestock biosecurity to fend off growing threats like New World Screwworm
• Closes loopholes in the law that allow states to waive enforcement of work requirements
• Enacts accountability measures to encourage states to administer the SNAP program efficiently and effectively
• Ensures that work capable adults without children too young for school are working or volunteering in order to receive benefits

Ahead of the House Agriculture Committee markup, Rep. Mann applauded the committee’s portion of the bill and its investments to strengthen the farm economy. In May 2024, Rep. Mann voted to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security out of committee. Rep. Mann has continuously expressed his frustration with Congressional Democrats’ efforts to hold the agricultural community hostage to political games instead of passing a Farm Bill.

The House Agriculture Committee’s budget reconciliation proposal will now go to the House Budget Committee for further consideration.

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