(WHTM) - U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) says he would copy the tactics of Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville to "jam" the Farm Bill over attempts to cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the Senate.
During an interview on MSNBC's Morning Joe, Fetterman said the nation can't stand to cut federal food benefits like SNAP for those who need food assistance.
"If you’re going to go after hungry people, you know, I’ve said it's like, well, I’m willing to be the Democratic version of Tuberville to jam that up, the Farm Bill, until we just deliver the critical -- that we're not going to mess with SNAP," said the freshman Senator. "That’s -- it's unconscionable and it’s just very bizarre to even go after hungry people."
Last year Tuberville (R-AL) blocked hundreds of military nominations and promotions for months over the Pentagon's abortion policy. He eventually relented and dropped the blockade in December.
House Republicans last year proposed a plan to increase work requirements for the program's participants. Fetterman responded then saying “Cut SNAP for families and kids while pushing tax cuts for billionaires? Not on my watch.”
Those receiving SNAP benefits have seen increases since the COVID-19 pandemic. SNAP benefits increased in October 2023 by 12.5% to reflect cost of living changes, according to Forbes Advisor.
As of October 1, 2023, the gross monthly income eligibility per household for SNAP in the 48 continental states, Washington D.C., Guam, and the Virgin Islands is as follows:
- Household size 1 – $1,580
- Household size 2 – $2,137
- Household size 3 – $2,694
- Household size 4 – $3,250
- Household size 5 – $3,807
- Household size 6 – $4,364
- Household size 7 – $4,921
- Household size 8 – $5,478
The Farm Bill covers a variety of agricultural sectors including nutritional programs including SNAP for low-income families. The SNAP program provides food benefits, access to healthy food, and education on preparation and nutrition to low-income households.
Benefits are higher for those living in Alaska and Hawaii.
The U.S. Census reported that 11.5% of households in the United States are receiving SNAP/food stamp benefits with a median income of $28,208 for a SNAP household.
Fetterman currently sits on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. He also serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research.