National Consumers League expresses deep disappointment at passage of amended Farm Bill – National Consumers League

July 12, 2013

Contact: Ben Klein, NCL Communications, (202) 835-3323, benk@nclnet.org 

Washington, DC—Today the National Consumers League (NCL), the nation’s oldest consumer advocacy organization, expressed its disappointment with the U.S. House of Representatives for their vote to pass an amended farm bill. 

After the House voted down a farm bill in June, the leadership proposed severing farm programs and nutrition programs and voting on two separate bills.  The bill voted on today did not include funding for nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps).  The division of these two parts of the farm bill has been roundly criticized by both hunger advocates and farm groups, including the National Farmers Union. 

“We are deeply disappointed in the passage of a farm bill that does not include nutrition programs,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL’s Executive Director.  “This is yet another attack on the nutrition programs that make up a crucial part of our country’s safety net.  Recipients of these benefits are the working poor, children, the elderly and the disabled.  As a nation we should work to ensure low-income consumers have adequate nutrition rather than undermining invaluable programs.”

In advance of the scheduled vote, President Obama announced he would veto a farm bill that did not include nutrition programs.  “We are pleased the President is committed to protecting working families and can only hope that Congress comes to its senses and does the same.” 

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About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.