Lucas’ Farm Bill Fails, Bridenstine Opposes
U.S. House rejects farm bill
By Chris Casteel Modified: June 20, 2013
WASHINGTON — In a stinging defeat to Rep. Frank Lucas, the House on Thursday rejected a five-year farm bill, as Democrats rebelled against cuts in the food stamp program and Republicans objected to spending on farm subsidies and nutrition aid.
The bill’s failure, by a 195-234 vote, came after two days of divisive votes over the safety net for the nation’s farmers and the level of funding for the food stamp program, which has exploded in size in the past decade.
The bill’s proposed $2 billion annual cuts to food stamps, formally called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, enraged Democrats, who lost an effort Wednesday to restore the money. Only 24 Democrats voted for the bill on Thursday, while 172 opposed it.
Four of Oklahoma’s five House members voted for the legislation, crafted by Lucas and members of the House Agriculture Committee that he leads. Freshman Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Tulsa, who is aligned with the tea party, voted against it.
Lucas, R-Cheyenne, said after the vote he was disappointed and looking at options for moving forward, “but I have no doubt that we will finish our work in the near future and provide the certainty that our farmers, ranchers and rural constituents need.”