Farm Bill the Latest, Greatest Example of America’s Out-of-Control Spending
After passing an outrageous omnibus spending bill and budget deal, you’d think Congress wouldn’t be anxious to pass another massive spending measure. But this is Congress we’re talking about.
On the agenda now is the Agriculture and Nutrition Act, or H.R. 2. To put it simply, this farm bill is a mess. There are some positive elements, but they are far outweighed by the corporate welfare and increased misuse of taxpayer dollars. Here’s a look at some highlights from the bill:
- The bright spot of this bill is the reform to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP reforms preserve taxpayer resources so they go to those who need them most. Instituting stronger work requirements offers a pathway to upward mobility so recipients aren’t stuck in a cycle of poverty and welfare.
- The good done by SNAP reforms is undone by savings being redirected into training programs with a record of poor results.
- On the agriculture side, corporate welfare takes an unwelcome turn in the spotlight. Programs in the bill, including massive subsidies, tariffs, marketing orders and quotas, have gone above and beyond what qualifies as a “safety net” for farmers. The bill even makes it easier for multiple owners of large agribusinesses to receive subsidies.
- Relatives who don’t even live or work on a family-owned farm can receive thousands of dollars in annual payouts. This bill not only continues this handout of your money but expands the subsidies to more family members.
The Agriculture and Nutrition Act is overflowing with corporate welfare and government handouts. It’s just further proof that government spending is out of control.
It’s past time to put the brakes on runaway federal spending. The farm bill must be reined in. Congress has an opportunity to reserve the safety net for those who need it the most and protect the taxpayers by ending handouts that distort the markets, and pick winners and losers in the agriculture industry.
Tell Congress to stop wasting your hard-earned money and spend responsibly!
