House Republicans voted repeatedly in recent years to slash food-stamp spending through approaches such as converting the program to a block grant for states to run or restricting eligibility. Rep. Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat, said he expects those ideas will be offered in coming weeks as the Republican-controlled House writes its budget resolution, given President Trump’s proposal for a 25-percent cut in the program.
“I expect they’re going to roll out all the usual things,” said McGovern, arguably the leading House advocate for food stamps. “We’re going to be prepared to fight back.” During a teleconference organized by the anti-hunger Food Research and Action Center, McGovern said he was working with an unspecified number of Republicans who support the program. “I think we would defeat the president’s budget” if it was put to a House vote, said McGovern. He also was optimistic about defeating large cuts in food stamps.
Trump has proposed restrictions on eligibility for food stamps and stricter limits on how long able-bodied adults can receive benefits. His budget package would require states to pay a share of benefits, eventually reaching 25 percent, and give them leeway to reduce the average benefit, now at $1.40 a meal. “These are appalling cuts and I am going to fight them with all my strength,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Connecticut Democrat, who also took part in the teleconference.