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CONGRESSMAN MORELLE VOTES TO RE-OPEN DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE, GUARANTEE FAMILIES RECEIVE SNAP BENEFITS

January 10, 2019

Bipartisan bill ensures critical funding for farm and food security programs

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle joined House Democrats in passing the Fiscal Year 2019 Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies appropriations bill to re-open the Department of Agriculture and ensure families receive essential Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.


"The President's continued refusal to reopen the government has put millions of Americans at risk, including vulnerable families and individuals who rely on the critical support SNAP benefits provide and our nation's hardworking farmers whose livelihoods depend on essential government services," said Rep. Morelle. "With each passing day that the president allows the shutdown to continue, more and more of the very people he promised to help and serve are being placed in harm's way. However, my colleagues and I in the House recognize our responsibility to put the needs of everyday Americans first, and that is why we have repeatedly passed legislation to fund the government and restore access to these vital services."


This legislation is nearly identical to the appropriations bill that previously passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support and accomplishes the following:

  • Guarantees families will continue to receive essential SNAP benefits;
  • Ensures FDA and USDA can continue inspecting food, preventing public health epidemics;
  • Provides assistance to farmers, including loans for critical supplies;
  • Supports rural infrastructure development projects.


"This legislation further demonstrates the House Majority's commitment to governing responsibly and working for the people," continued Rep. Morelle. "We will continue to offer the president every opportunity to reopen the government so that we all can get back to the work of addressing the more pressing matters facing our nation."

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