The U.S. House Agriculture Committee is preparing to release their version of the Farm Bill (which is the first language we will see in the process of drafting the final bill.) As we’ve shared previously, we anticipate that the bill will include numerous harmful proposals, including the expansion of time limits and so-called work requirements. We can all agree that helping people who can work get good-paying jobs is an important goal, but harsher SNAP work requirements and other proposals under consideration by House Agriculture Chairman Conaway is the wrong pathway forward. Punishing people for being unemployed by taking away their food assistance won’t help them find a better job or find work faster.

CALL TO ACTION

Details of the bill are still emerging so we don’t have specific policies to share yet – but now is still a key time to urge Congressman Gianforte to raise concerns about the House Agriculture Committee’s bill, and the importance of passing a bi-partisan Farm Bill that protects SNAP.

Contact Congressman Gianforte at (202) 225-3211, or online message form.

Find a local office here

social media:

Twitter: @gianforte

Facebook: @RepGianforte

Instagram: @greggianforte

Sample message:
Dear Congressman Gianforte,

My name is (first and last name), your constituent from (town), Montana. SNAP is our nation’s most effective anti-hunger program. It serves as an important income supplement to help people get back on their feet while boosting health, nutrition, and children’s learning. It helps nearly 60,000 Montana households put food on the table and afford a basic diet.

I am deeply concerned that the House Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill will make harmful changes to this important program. Instead of taking away food assistance from low-income parents, seniors, and other Montanans struggling to make ends meet, Congress should focus on policies that help create jobs and boost wages.

Please urge Speaker Ryan and your colleagues in the House to pass a bi-partisan Farm Bill that protects SNAP. Taking food assistance away from struggling households will increase hardship and hunger in Montana. I urge you to vote against any bill that makes cuts or harmful changes to SNAP.

Thank you,
(Your name and address)
For more information, contact Lorianne at [email protected] or (406) 215-1773.