Dems on Ag Committee Oppose Inflation Act Funds Reallocation
TL/DR –
Democrats in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee are defending the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds against potential redirection away from their original uses, such as the Thrifty Food Plan or conservation initiatives. There is also contention around the handling of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) budget in the Farm Bill, with Democrats opposing attempts to make the SNAP budget neutral. Committee members David Scott and Shontel Brown have reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the IRA and the nutritional title of the 2018 Farm Bill, but signaled their willingness to pass legislation as long as it doesn’t weaken nutrition programs.
Dems Defend Inflation Reduction Act Funds
U.S. House Agriculture Committee Democrats firmly oppose proposals to redirect Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds from their intended uses. They reject ideas to either freeze the Thrifty Food Plan’s budget or shift a significant portion of the IRA’s conservation funds to bolster the commodity safety net by raising reference prices.
Conservation and Energy Programs at Stake
Democrats’ main focus is on conservation and energy programs. They aim to prevent these funds from being redirected to a commodity safety net, asserting it’s about maintaining the IRA’s integrity and ensuring the funds continue to support their original initiatives.
Disputes Over SNAP Budget
There’s ongoing tension over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) budget in the Farm Bill. Democrats resist attempts to make the SNAP budget neutral, fearing it could create obstacles for the bipartisan farm bill.
Dems Will Fight Threats to IRA and Nutrition Programs
Congressperson David Scott from Georgia and Congresswoman Shontel Brown of Ohio pledged to uphold promises made under the IRA and the nutrition title of the 2018 Farm Bill. They assert Democrats are ready to challenge proposals threatening these commitments, though they also expressed openness to pass legislation, stating that raising reference prices shouldn’t weaken nutrition programs.
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