June 11, 2023

Dear Georgian,

It is our duty in Washington to govern, but there was a situation last week where an extremely small faction of the Republican conference held up votes for the week and prevented us from getting work accomplished in the People's House.

In January, the Republican Conference agreed it would require the support of a majority of our Members for legislation to come to the floor, and our leadership has honored that agreement.

However, last week 5% of the conference went back on their word and held up the floor while demanding that leadership cut a backroom deal with them.

This is not how to govern, and I assure you that the majority of legislators in Washington are ready to get back to work and do what our districts have elected us to do. It is an honor to represent you, and I will continue to do that with integrity and transparency.

As always, my staff and I are here to help. If you need assistance with a federal agency or have comments or concerns to share with me, please do not hesitate to call my Warner Robins, Tifton, or Washington, D.C. offices. To receive frequent updates, I encourage you to visit my website, like my Facebook page, follow me on YouTube, and follow me on Twitter.

Keep reading for the full update.

Sincerely,

Congressman Austin Scott

Discussing SNAP Changes

On Wednesday, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is funded through the Farm Bill.

The recently passed Fiscal Responsibility Act included responsible changes in eligibility for SNAP benefits, ensuring that work-capable adults have access to employment opportunities. These changes support the goal of SNAP, which is to provide supplemental nutrition for people in need while helping them get back on their feet and into a life independent of government assistance.

According to the USDA, more than 20% of all SNAP spending goes toward unhealthy foods and soda. During the hearing, I asked witnesses about options to improve the quality of nutrition that SNAP beneficiaries receive.

You can watch the hearing here.

Meeting with Georgia Cattlemen's Association

Cattle are raised in all 159 counties in Georgia, and the industry contributes $3 billion to our state's economy. The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association represents over 5,500 cattle producers in Georgia, and I met with them in D.C. last week to discuss issues and legislation affecting their industry.

Visit with Leaders from Valdosta and Lowndes County

Community, business, education, and health leaders from Valdosta and Lowndes County came to D.C. last week to update me and Rep. Sanford Bishop about their unified needs and opportunities and let us know what we can do for them in Washington.

Georgia's Eighth Congressional District is proud to be the home of Valdosta State!

Questioning Witnesses During House Agriculture Committee Hearing About SNAP

Agri-Pulse | Stronger health, employment SNAP provisions examined at House Ag hearing

"Witnesses at a House Ag hearing on nutrition programs called for a stronger emphasis on health outcomes and improving job opportunities for those receiving food assistance. Committee members, meanwhile, used the hearing to vocalize their positions on potential reforms in the coming farm bill.

Following last week's vote on a bill to raise the debt ceiling and increase the maximum age for able-bodied adults without dependents subject to work requirements to their keep nutrition benefits, Democrats voiced their opposition to any further cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the farm bill."