The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry has released updated language for its budget reconciliation package, highlighting key policy priorities for Senate Republicans. Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) praised the legislation, describing it as a balanced effort to improve federal nutrition programs and strengthen support for American farmers.
Chairman Boozman: A Practical Approach to Reform
In a statement following the release of the revised text, Chairman Boozman said,
“I’m proud of the legislation we’ve crafted that reflects Senate Republican policy priorities.”
He emphasized that the package includes reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) aimed at increasing program efficiency and accountability.
“This is a practical approach to improve SNAP by reducing waste, enhancing accountability, and encouraging recipients to move toward self-reliance through work and training.”
Beyond nutrition programs, the legislation also addresses agricultural policy by updating the Farm Bill’s safety net provisions. Boozman explained that these changes are designed to offer American farm families better risk management tools:
“We also invest in America’s farm families by providing essential risk management tools and modernizing the Farm Bill’s safety net to help producers continue to farm. This package represents a strong commitment to rural America.”
Senate Parliamentarian Flags Byrd Rule Concerns
However, the proposed legislation has drawn procedural scrutiny. According to a report from the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) addressed the findings of the Senate parliamentarian regarding the package. The parliamentarian advised that certain provisions of the reconciliation bill may violate the Senate’s Byrd Rule—a rule that limits what can be included in budget reconciliation bills.
Specifically, the parliamentarian found that the proposed cost shifts to states for SNAP funding would require 60 votes for approval if included in the final bill. These provisions would require states to cover a share of SNAP benefits, with increasing obligations tied to payment error rates.
Klobuchar: GOP Plan Could Devastate Families and Local Economies
Senator Klobuchar sharply criticized the proposed changes, stating:
“The parliamentarian made clear that Senate Republicans cannot use their partisan budget to shift major nutrition assistance costs to states, which would have inevitably led to major cuts.”
She warned that the proposed GOP cuts to SNAP would be harmful across multiple sectors:
“While the Republicans’ proposed cuts to SNAP will still be devastating to families, farmers, and independent grocers, we will keep fighting to protect families in need.”
Klobuchar also urged bipartisan cooperation, encouraging Republicans to work with Democrats on measures that could lower costs for all Americans.
Reported by Southeast AgNet
This legislative update was reported by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet, capturing the latest developments in a budget debate with far-reaching implications for agriculture, food security, and rural economies.