Debate over SNAP reforms threatens farm bill as Democrats and Republicans clash

The US Senate has introduced a new US$1.5 trillion farm bill, but changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are sparking debate over threats to affordable nutrition. House Republicans want to cut costs by reducing SNAP funding. At the same time, Senate Democrats advocate for expanded benefits and warn that slashes could be detrimental to millions of vulnerable families, putting the bill’s bipartisan support at risk. 

The bill includes over 100 bipartisan bills to protect access to SNAP, support affordable farming and provide disaster relief. The plan decides how much money farmers get to help with their crops and how much food assistance people get through food stamps, which is the leading cause of the rift.