It is apparent that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will represent the focus of dissention in shepherding an acceptable Farm Bill through the 118th Congress.
A consortium of House Republicans including Dusty Johnson (R-SD) have proposed as a marker bill a strict worker requirement to receive SNAP benefits. The Bill would require able-bodied adults from 18 to 49, without dependents, to either work or be enrolled in job training for at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP benefits. Eligibility would be limited to 90-days over a three-year period. Many states have waived the time limit under conditions of emergency including for the duration of the COVID pandemic.
Advocates of restrictions on SNAP payments point to the high number of vacant positions in the U.S. although unemployment is high among the unskilled and in various demographics in urban areas. In contrast, House Democrats led by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Alma Adams (D-NC) are intent on eliminating the work requirement in entirety.
Given the balance between the two parties in the House and Senate, both positions appear extreme and will not engender sufficient support for passage. It is hoped that cool heads will prevail in both chambers to craft a just and equitable Farm Bill that promotes agriculture and export of commodities without imposing undue burden on taxpayers or the needy.
Time is passing and members of the agricultural committees in both chambers must make progress in their negotiations to avoid last-minute compromises and tradeoffs characteristic of previous Farm Bills.