The House has rejected a five year, half-trillion-dollar farm bill that would have cut $2 billion annually from food assistance programs, according to reports.
Those cuts weren't deep enough for many Republicans who objected to the cost of the nearly $80 billion-a-year program, which has doubled in the past five years.
The vote was 234-195 against the bill, with 62 Republicans voting against it, the Associated Press notes. The plan was set to place significant cuts to food stamp programs and eliminate direct payments to farmers. It also reworks the dairy program, replacing guaranteed price supports with insurance.
However, the House did approve an amendment that gives states the ability to administer drug tests before someone is approved for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The measure was approved by voice vote.
"My amendment to the Farm Bill allows states to determine the best method for administering drug screening programs for SNAP applicants," says Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., who sponsored the amendment.
"This is a clear and obvious problem in our communities as nearly 30 states have introduced legislation to drug test for welfare programs. We have a moral obligation to equip the states with the tools they need to discourage the use of illegal drugs."
The House bill would have cut projected spending in farm and nutrition programs by nearly $40 billion over the coming decade, according to Politico. Just over half, $20.5 billion, would have come from cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. The House bill, like the Senate's version, would have eliminated $5 billion a year in direct payments to farmers, which are made annually whether or not they grow crops.
