BOSTON (AP) - Members of Massachusetts’ congressional delegation are rejecting a farm bill that would make cuts to the nation’s food stamp program.
Every House member of the all-Democratic delegation voted against the House bill, except for Rep. Stephen Lynch, who did not cast a vote.
The bill, which passed the House Thursday on a 251-166 vote, would cut about $800 million a year from the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program, or around 1 percent. House Republican leaders had initially sought a 5 percent cut.
Rep. Katherine Clark said it’s unacceptable to slash a critical nutrition programs benefiting needy children.
Rep. Joe Kennedy pointed to earlier cuts to student loans, affordable housing and unemployment insurance and said working families can’t be a bargaining chip in federal policy.
The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate.
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