Source: NEWS & OBSERVER, 12/20/18


The massive $867 billion farm bill passed the Senate by a lopsided 87-13 vote. Only a hardy band of 13 stalwart conservative Republicans voted no, but North Carolina Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr were not among them. The Nutrition Program — popularly known as “food stamps” — accounts for some $670 billion of the farm bill total and has become a huge entitlement. The Senate rejected work requirement restrictions to the food stamp program, which were passed earlier by the House. The bill expands federal agricultural subsidies and provides permanent funding for a number of temporary programs.

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