Constituents Arrive at Congressman Zach Nunn’s Office to Oppose House Republicans’ Farm Bill

Constituents from Iowa’s Third Congressional District Seek Answers on Nunn’s Vote for the Farm Bill Proposal that would Cut SNAP Benefits 

DES MOINES – Today, community leaders and concerned constituents from Iowa’s Third Congressional District came together outside of Congressman Zach Nunn’s Des Moines office to show their opposition to the recent Farm Bill proposal Nunn voted for in a House Agriculture Committee markup on May 24th. Eager to voice their concerns and seek answers directly from their representative, these constituents wanted to know why Congressman Nunn once again has supported cutting funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which helps fight food insecurity for families facing financial hardship. 

“Every time you let young people not get the nutrients they need, you are running the risk of cognitive decline and all kinds of other environmental issues that end up affecting their ability, their productivity in the future,” said constituent Karen Caliguiri. “So why not just use the resources we already have to give people the means to purchase the food that already exists?"

Congressman Nunn and the rest of his Republican colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee not only voted to pass the Farm Bill with $30 billion in SNAP cuts, but they also voted to kill an amendment offered by Democrats which would have removed the cuts to SNAP from the bill. When Nunn had an opportunity to stand up for his constituents and pass a Farm Bill that didn’t cut SNAP, he chose not to.

“Amidst high cost of living, including the cost of some household groceries, I find it ridiculous that Congressman Nunn would throw hardworking families under the bus like this,” said Matt Sinovic, Executive Director for Progress Iowa. “We have all worked hard to ensure we can provide for our families, and to mess with a program that provides a bit more assistance to those in need is not representing the interest of your constituents.”

Constituents used the Congressional recess as an opportunity to represent Iowa’s Third Congressional District and to engage with their representative’s voting record by making their voices heard. Despite Congressman Nunn's absence, the event highlighted the community's determination to hold their elected officials accountable and advocate for policies that support all Iowans—including a Farm Bill without harmful poison pills like cuts to SNAP.

###