Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spent the morning and part of the afternoon testifying before the House Agriculture Committee. Committee Chair GT Thompson, R-Penn., said his appearance came at a critical time as debate over a new farm bill heats up.
As expected, much of the conversation turned to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, with opinions diverging along party lines.
Rep. Austin Scott, R- Ga., noted that less than 12% of farm bill spending currently goes to commodity programs and crop insurance, while more than 80% is allocated to SNAP. In response to a question…
