DeLauro Statement on Passage of the 2018 Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, DC (December 12, 2018) – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement after voting in favor of the 2018 Farm Bill conference report.

"Over the past year, I have seen an outpouring of support to protect SNAP from immoral cuts and onerous work requirements. Because of this fight to protect our nation's leading anti-hunger program, those structural changes and benefit cuts were not included in the final bill. That is no small accomplishment, and something we should all be proud of. Nevertheless, we must remember that this battle is far from over. USDA Secretary Perdue has not been shy about his intentions to push work requirements through the rulemaking process. But this bill—its evolution due to the tireless work of so many around the country—makes Congress's intent clear. Secretary Purdue should respect that."

"On the whole, the 2018 Farm Bill protects working families and grants American farmers and ranchers the continued certainty that comes from the agricultural safety net. That means that Connecticut dairy farmers—who have been hit hard by persistent low milk prices—will finally have the added support they deserve. It also means expanded research investments for organic agriculture to create sustainable, local food systems. While I am disappointed this bill fails to reform subsidy programs that disproportionately benefit rich agribusinesses over small family farms, this bipartisan compromise will help to ensure Connecticut farmers are protected and Connecticut families do not go hungry. That is why I voted for this bill."

Earlier this year, DeLauro led a letter of 110 House Democrats telling Farm Bill conferees to reject changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. DeLauro is a senior Democrat on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee.