Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Farm Bill by a vote of 66 to 27. The bill reauthorizes commodity, conservation, nutrition, rural development, trade and research programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“The Farm Bill is critically important to Washington state’s agriculture industry, our farmers, and our economy. This five-year authorization makes important investments in jobs, provides meaningful support for our fruit and vegetable growers, and reforms many programs while continuing the safety net for farmers.
“This bill addresses agriculture issues of particular importance to Washington state. It makes continued investments in specialty crops, a significant part of Washington’s agricultural production, rural development and alternative energy programs – many of which were left on the cutting room floor earlier this year in a short-term extension – and ensures the Washington agriculture industry remains competitive in the global marketplace.
“While the Farm Bill is positive for our state in many ways, I remain very concerned this bill will cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for many low-income families, including many in Washington State. Food assistance was there for my family when we fell on hard times, and we should not weaken this assistance now for our state’s most vulnerable families. I firmly believe these cuts to SNAP are a step in the wrong direction.”
English 
Spanish