On May 17, 2024, House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) unveiled his proposed farm bill, scheduled for markup on May 23. The proposal has sparked criticism from various quarters, including Emily Gee, senior vice president for Inclusive Growth at the Center for American Progress.
Gee issued a statement in response to the proposed legislation: "This partisan farm bill contains unacceptable cuts to vital nutrition programs and guts critical investments in climate-smart agriculture. It would also prevent any adjustment to food benefits, which would result in more people going hungry."
She further compared the proposed bill with the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), describing Stabenow's bill as a bipartisan approach necessary for America's long-term agricultural needs. "Stabenow’s bill would preserve the Inflation Reduction Act’s investments that make U.S. farmers part of the climate solution. And it would continue the Thrifty Food Plan to ensure the hungry can access the food they need," Gee stated.
The controversy surrounding this proposed farm bill underscores its significance in shaping future agricultural policies and addressing pressing issues such as climate change and food security.
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