The U.S. Senate has just passed the 2018 Farm Bill by a vote count of 87-13, but the bill’s passage did not come with the support of Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who stated that he couldn’t bring himself to vote for a bill that included “worst elements” of both the Senate and House versions.
Because Republicans lost control of the House to Democrats, Democrats followed through on their threat to oppose any farm bill that they did not fit their needs, and seized the opportunity to hold the bill hostage.
The biggest issue with the bill is that it does not support work restrictions for adults seeking food stamps.
In other words, adults can receive food stamps without having to show employment or attempt to find employment.
In a statement, Senator Rubio expressed his disappointment in the bill he believes does not protect farmer across the nation, especially those in Florida.
“The farm bill released late last night fails to do what is necessary to protect farmers, working families, and taxpayers. The conference committee had an opportunity to take the best provisions from both the Senate and House farm bills, but instead it appears to have combined the worst elements into legislation that I simply cannot support.
When I voted for the Senate Farm Bill it was to advance the legislative process, with the goal being a five-year farm bill that would give Florida farmers much-needed confidence following the devastation of Hurricane Irma and the prospects of an uncertain trade future. The conferees failed to meet that standard.”
Sen. Bill Nelson (D), who is finishing out his career in the the Senate, voted in favor of the bill.
