Rep. Van Orden speaks on SNAP vote, and how farmers could benefit from tariffs

An area Congressman is defending his vote for a federal budget which could reduce funding for SNAP benefits and Medicaid.

Democrats claim that through his vote on the budget, Representative Derrick Van Orden voted in favor of cuts to benefits for families that need help with food and medical care. Republican Van Orden says the bill does not make cuts to the benefit program, but is aimed at fighting fraud in the system.

“We’re focusing on waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Van Orden during an on-line conference Thursday. “And when we get those dollars that have been fraudulently spent, we can put ’em back into the system” to make sure that SNAP benefits continue. “We do know this is a hand-up, not a hand-out.” Van Orden says some people may lose SNAP funding if they are found to have tried obtaining the money fraudulently, such as applying in two states at once.

The Congressman also says area farmers will benefit from tariffs on foreign trade being enacted by the Trump White House.

“Things are gonna turn out good, and they are,” said Van Orden. He mentions a new trade deal with the UK. “You know what that’s for? Ag,” he said.

Van Orden says farmers in his district will be “respected” as a result of realignments in American trade policies. He believes that if people relax and see beyond the arguments, they will see benefits of the trade deals.