Rep. Jackson's Statement on the 2024 Farm Bill Markup

Media Contact:  R. Elizabeth Bratton, Director of Communications

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), a Member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement ahead of the markup on the 2024 Farm Bill.

“During these uncertain times, no child in our great country should go hungry. The Republican draft of the Farm Bill confirms our worst fears.  Instead of increasing SNAP benefits to offset rising inflation, House Republicans want to make substantial cuts, close to $30 billion and women and children will feel the brunt of that burden.  These cuts will lead to our most vulnerable citizens going hungry.  

The Republican proposal will gut SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), making the largest cut to the program in nearly 30 years.  As ranking member @repdavidscott points out:’The economic impact of the SNAP cuts alone would be staggering. A $27 billion reduction in food purchasing power would not only increase hunger, but it would also reduce demand for jobs in the agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, and grocery sectors.’

Republicans also propose restricting climate-smart conservation funding and barring the USDA from providing financial assistance to farmers in times of crisis.

This is unacceptable. I will continue to work with @HouseAGDems to prevent these cuts from making it into the final version of the Farm Bill. We have work to do. This is not the time to be idle, but to keep our foot on the gas, and get to the finish line. I remain confident that we can and will get the job done under the leadership of Chairman @CongressmanGT and Ranking Member @repdavidscott."