Press Releases

THOMPSON ON HIS VOTE AGAINST H.R. 2642 (FARM BILL)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) released the following statement regarding his vote against H.R. 2642 (Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management FARRM Act), also known as the Farm Bill:

“Today, I cast a ‘no’ vote on the Farm Bill for the second time in 3 weeks.  Although the legislation makes much needed improvements to agriculture policy, the bill set forth today puts children and the working poor at risk by not reauthorizing the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).  For four decades, each Farm Bill including the three previous bills that I supported, included nutrition programs as a part of the legislation. But late last night, House Republicans underhandedly released a 608 page bill that neglects to reauthorize SNAP.”

“With more than 50,000 households in Mississippi’s Second Congressional District utilizing SNAP, I refuse to support a bill that puts the cornerstone of our nation’s food assistance safety net in jeopardy.  SNAP has become a critical part of the Farm Bill and I will not support any legislation that harms Mississippi’s children, seniors and most vulnerable citizens,” said Thompson.