Dear Jenni,

 

Thank you for contacting me regarding nutrition programs administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

 

Like most programs administered by USDA, nutrition programs are authorized in the Farm Bill, legislation that is reauthorized approximately every five years.  As you may know, we are currently operating under a one-year extension of the 2008 Farm Bill while Congress debates a new, long-term authorization bill.  While the bill is called the Farm Bill, it is important to note that about three-quarters of spending in the bill is dedicated to nutrition programs. 

 

The Senate recently passed a Farm Bill, with my support, which would authorize more than 90 percent of federal spending on nutrition assistance programs.  The bill reauthorizes and reforms programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and international food aid to improve their function and save taxpayers money.  Reforms included closing a gap in standards for utility allowance, improving the quality of food at stores that participate in the SNAP program, and cracking down on food benefit trafficking and misuse of SNAP benefits.  I'm hopeful that the House and Senate will be able to build on this legislation and pass a long-term Farm Bill this year. 

 

As the President and Congress continue to discuss our budget priorities and deficit reduction, I will work to ensure that that those who require food assistance receive the help they need, while working to prevent waste, fraud and abuse.

 

Again, thank you for contacting me. I look forward to continuing our conversation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SenatorBlunt) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/RoyBlunt) about the important issues facing Missouri and the country. I also encourage you to visit my website (blunt.senate.gov) to learn more about where I stand on the issues and sign-up for my e-newsletter.

Sincere regards,

Roy Blunt
United States Senator