This week the House Committee on Agriculture passed the #FarmBill out of the Committee, which means it will head to the House floor soon for a vote. This critical legislation will address the economic challenges that America's farmers are facing and it includes major reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by establishing work requirements for SNAP beneficiaries. This is GREAT news for our farmer's that work hard every day to feed America and rely on the passage of the Farm Bill.
To no surprise, Democrats are complaining about a common-sense initiative to hold individuals accountable being added to the SNAP program. The proposal put forth in the committee was to create enforceable work requirements on able-bodied adults currently receiving SNAP benefits. The Farm Bill would require these work-capable adults to find employment or receive free training for 20 hours every week. This is a practical solution to get Americans working instead of being a leech on hardworking taxpayers. If you are taking advantage of resources that were originally intended to be a temporary hand up, there should be accountability to those who have only taken hand outs and refused to get themselves working.
I was raised to understand the importance and value in a hard days work, and believe these working values should be instilled in every American. In Washington and under President Trump, Republicans in Congress have worked to break the status quo and make change for the better. Wanting to keep things the way they are, broken and abused, Democrats are in turn holding our farmers hostage. This is another example of Democrats obstructing a sound, and what should be non-controversial, bill to play politics.
This work requirement does not kick millions of current SNAP beneficiaries off the rolls, it simply is a wake up call for those who are currently able to work, but choose not to, to get out and get a job. Our current work requirements are insufficient, unenforceable, and states often times find loopholes to allow its beneficiaries to continue to abuse and plague the system. We have to clean up the system so those that truly need temporary assistance aren't overshadowed by those who drain our system.
I'd like to wrap up this week's e-news by telling you about an intern in my D.C. office, Trevor Rhodes. I offer spring, summer, and fall semester internship opportunities for students in both my Mississippi and D.C. offices. These internships are a fantastic opportunity for Mississippi students to gain invaluable experience. Every semester, I am joined by some of Mississippi's finest!
Congressman Palazzo with Trevor Rhodes
Trevor is from Pelahatchie and is the son of Kurt and Staci Rhodes. He is currently a senior at Mississippi State where he's majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in pre-law. After he graduates in December this year, Trevor would like to attend law school.
Q: What is the most interesting thing you've done since you have been in Washington? Rhodes: "Being able to work in the Capitol is very exciting. Everywhere you go, you are constantly surrounded by the men and women of Congress who are shaping our country's future."
Q: What's the most eye-opening thing you've learned about working on Capitol Hill? Rhodes: "Capitol Hill is very fast-paced environment. There are constant twists to challenges so you must be able to adapt and think on your feet in order to be successful."
Q: What's some advice you can provide for someone looking to intern in Washington?
Rhodes: "Try to meet as many people as you can while in D.C., because you never know who could help you in the future.
I am glad Trevor was able to join me in my D.C. office this spring and I'm appreciative of his hard work. If you know someone who is interested in interning in my office, please follow this link.
In your service,
Steven
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