U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has issued a statement in response to a recent ruling by the Parliamentarian concerning food assistance programs. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Klobuchar criticized Congressional Republicans for their approach to tax policy and food assistance.
"Congressional Republicans have chosen to cut food assistance for millions of Americans to give tax breaks to billionaires," stated Klobuchar. She emphasized that instead of collaborating with Democrats to reduce costs for Americans, Republicans are imposing financial burdens on states that they cannot sustain. "We’ll keep fighting these proposals that raise grocery costs and take food away from millions of people, including seniors, children, and veterans,” she added.
The Parliamentarian's decision indicates that the revised reconciliation text from the Republican-led Senate Agriculture Committee adheres to the Byrd Rule. This adherence allows $41 billion in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs to be transferred to state budgets, potentially resulting in budget deficits and reductions in food assistance nationwide.
Democrats have successfully opposed Republican attempts to delay the next Farm Bill until 2031. They express readiness to develop a Farm Bill aimed at supporting all rural communities across America.
