In a pointed MSNBC commentary, former Montana Democrat senator and longtime farmer Jon Tester sharply criticized the GOP-led House reconciliation bill and its proposed agriculture provisions. Tester accused House Republicans of abandoning bipartisan tradition and endangering the longstanding urban-rural coalition that has underpinned past farm bills. Tester warned the bill would:
- Shift SNAP costs to states, worsening food insecurity and passing the blame
- Expand farm subsidies without addressing market competition
- Hurt demand for commodities by cutting nutrition support
- Ignore bipartisan negotiation, further polarizing farm policy
Tester concluded by urging Republicans to “go back to the drawing board” and produce a farm bill that reflects 21st-century needs and reinforces — not undermines — rural America.
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