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Stabenow firm on improved SNAP benefits in COVID-19 aid

The Ranking Member of the Senate Ag Committee Debbie Stabenow of Michigan says she will not support additional aid to farmers in a final stimulus bill until there’s an increase in the SNAP program. The House-passed bill contains SNAP increases, the Senate bill does not.

Debate over another round of coronavirus relief ended with no resolution Friday but lawmakers have agreed to postpone an August recess until an agreement is made. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reportedly offered to reduce the House package by $1 Trillion dollars from $3 Trillion.

Stabenow, along with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, reintroduced the Food Supply Protection Act earlier in the week to help redirect food to families and help farmers and processors retool to prevent food supply chain challenges.

The bill was originally introduced in May and now includes added support for the seafood industry and more flexibility for states and tribes to distribute food.  It’s supported by more than 50 ag groups including Feeding America, National Farmers Union, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the National Milk Producers Association, and more.