Month: June 2023

Convert SNAP to block grant SNAP “is in dire need of reform,” and the solution is to turn the program into a block grant that requires states to share the cost of benefits, said a group speaking for conservative House Republicans. The Republican Study Committee budget package also said lawmakers… Continue reading

Legislative rider directs USDA to block farmland purchases by four nations To foil foreign adversaries, the Agriculture Department should “take such steps as may be necessary” to prevent them from buying U.S. farmland, said the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, despite questions about whether the USDA has the authority to… Continue reading

House panel targets farmland sales to foreign adversaries To protect U.S. farmland, the government would collect a 60-percent excise tax on purchases by foreign adversaries — citizens and companies from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela — under legislation approved by the House Ways and Means Committee on… Continue reading

Rural broadband projects get $714 million in USDA grants and loans The White House announced $714 million in USDA grants and loans to expand access to high-speed internet service in 19 states from South Carolina to California on Monday. With the new round of funding, the USDA has put $2.45… Continue reading

Key lawmaker proposes 60-percent tax on land purchases by U.S. adversaries The United States would block foreign adversaries from snatching up agricultural land by putting a 60-percent excise tax on purchases by people and companies from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela under a bill sponsored by the… Continue reading

Time is running out for the farm bill, warns McConnell Senate Republicans will do their part to smooth the way, but time is already running out for Congress to write the new farm bill, said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday. The 2018 farm law expires in four months,… Continue reading

‘We stand united’ to protect SNAP, say ag panel Democrats House Democrats announced their opposition to further cuts to SNAP on Wednesday amid signs the farm bill will be the next battlefront over work requirements for safety net programs. “We stand united against efforts to take food away from children,… Continue reading

Farmers are becoming more doubtful of a farm bill in 2023 Two out of three crop and livestock producers say they are uncertain or believe Congress is unlikely to enact a new farm bill this year, said a Purdue University survey on Tuesday. Neither the Senate or House Agriculture committees… Continue reading

Issue new SNAP exemptions quickly, senators say With the debate on the debt limit over, Democrats heading four Senate committees urged the Biden administration to act swiftly to remove a time limit on food stamps to able-bodied veterans, homeless people and young adults who “aged out” of foster care. The… Continue reading

Summer is near but farm bill may be months away The Senate and House Agriculture committees are weeks or even months away from drafting the 2023 farm bill, a remarkably late start for what is always a detailed and time-consuming process. The new farm bill would be the most expensive… Continue reading