WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the committee advanced historic reconciliation legislation that makes critical investments in our farm economy and restores much-needed integrity and accountability to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):

“In 2023 alone, Minnesota saw $42.5 million in SNAP funds misallocated. This kind of waste is a disservice to American taxpayers and takes resources away from those who truly need them. The legislation passed today takes meaningful steps to restore accountability in SNAP by preventing unelected bureaucrats from making unilateral changes to the Thrifty Food Plan and by strengthening work requirements for able-bodied adults. SNAP should empower Americans to achieve long-term independence – not trap them in cycles of dependency.”

Rep. Finstad continued, “Farmers in Minnesota and across our country work tirelessly to feed and fuel the world. Yet in recent years, they’ve faced mounting challenges that threaten their livelihoods; from rising input costs and interest rates to weather-related disasters, supply chain disruptions, and burdensome regulations. This legislation strengthens our nation’s food security by directly addressing the needs of rural America through investments in the farm safety net, foreign animal disease prevention, and trade promotion.

“I was proud to vote in support of this legislation today, and I look forward to its progression through the legislative process.”

Key farm provisions in the legislation include:

• Enhancements to crop insurance, including provisions from Rep. Finstad’s FARMER Act to expand access and reduce costs for producers;
• Strengthened safety net programs like ARC and PLC;
• Increased investments in foreign animal disease prevention and response;
• Doubling funding for trade promotion programs to keep U.S. agriculture competitive;
• Historic support for voluntary, farmer-friendly conservation programs.

Key reforms to restore the integrity of SNAP include:

• Restoring Congressional oversight over the Thrifty Food Plan to prevent unchecked spending increases by federal agencies;

• Strengthening work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, encouraging pathways to financial independence;

• Curbing waiver abuse and requiring states to have skin in the game for the first time through a cost-share tied to error rates, incentivizing payment accuracy and program integrity.