House GOP floats $23B in food stamp cuts in budget package
WASHINGTON -- Republicans controlling the House are proposing $23 billion worth of food stamp cuts over the coming decade. They are part of a $170 billion spending cut package aimed at getting tea party lawmakers to vote for a broader 10-year budget plan.
The food stamp cuts would be to benefits for able-bodied recipients without children and those who receive a greater benefit because they also qualify for home-heating subsidies. They are a small part of the 10-year, approximately $720 billion budget for the program.
GOP leaders have struggled to win enough support among Republicans for their broader budget plan since it permits higher agency budget levels than last year's budget deal.
It's not clear the package of binding "sidecar" spending cuts will add enough support to pass the GOP budget.
The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) has said the cuts would have a devastating impact on the nation's poorest and most vulnerable citizens.