Late yesterday a bipartisan deal was reached to move the 2007 Farm Bill (S. 2302) with Senate debate and votes on 40 amendments (down from the more than 200 amendments that had stalled action on the bill), removing the need for the cloture vote that had been expected on December 7th and setting the stage for Farm Bill passage in the Senate in December.  A House/Senate conference committee could begin negotiations immediately thereafter, making enactment of a final Farm Bill possible in early 2008.  Immediately, anti-hunger advocates will urge Senators to adopt amendments that secure the strongest possible nutrition title to improve food stamp benefits and access and to bolster The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

Senate Deal is Welcome News:  “The agreement allows Republicans and Democrats to offer 20 amendments apiece out of the dozens that are pending. Action on the bill was deadlocked since November 6 by the disagreement over how many amendments would be considered and on which topics.  Majority Leader Harry Reid announced the agreement on Thursday evening. An aide to Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said the goal was to complete work on the five-year bill next week. Debate on amendments was expected to begin on Friday.”  See “Senate ends farm bill impasse, may pass in days,” by Charles Abbott, Reuters, 12/6/07

2007 Farm Bill Message and Action Needed:  Contact Senators and urge that the Senate finish its work on the 2007 Farm Bill (S. 2302) and pass a Farm Bill with the strongest possible nutrition title. Specifically, urge support for additional investments in the Food Stamp Program, including in the minimum monthly benefit, in Food Stamp Program access, in asset and standard deduction improvements, and in TEFAP.  A toll-free line to the U.S. Capitol (1-800-826-9624) has been made available by AARP while the Senate Farm Bill is pending.  (You will hear a short message on the nutrition title before being connected to the Senate office).  

What’s at Stake:  Based on newly released data from USDA and the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 35.5 million people living in households in the U.S. that face a constant struggle against hunger. The number increased by 300,000 people between 2005 and 2006.  The Food Stamp Program and TEFAP are important weapons in the fight against hunger, but both need to be strengthened. For example, food stamp benefits average only $1 a person a meal; and the food stamp monthly minimum benefit has been stuck at a mere $10 since 1977.  Many food pantries report that their shelves are empty or their supplies are at historically low levels.  The 2007 Farm Bill that is pending Senate action contains vital improvements to both food stamps and TEFAP. Raises in the standard deduction and in benefit levels for many food stamp households, including many elderly who get the minimum benefit, and updating of asset rules will strengthen the Food Stamp Program’s response to hunger. Boosts in funding for TEFAP commodities will help stock food pantry shelves to help serve the growing numbers of families who are squeezed by rising costs of food and fuel and stagnant or declining wages.  Among the 40 amendments offered will be some that could boost Food Stamp Program and TEFAP investments beyond the title agreed to in Senate Agriculture Committee substitute.

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Prepared by Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), 1875 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009; 202-986-2200 x3016; www.frac.org