USDA Extends Deadline for Comments on Changes to SNAP

The USDA has reopened the comment period for Americans affected by proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The proposed changes would limit waivers states are allowed to give to Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents" or ABAWDS.

The 60-day a public comment period ended April 2nd. But for several hours on April 1 and 2, people were unable to upload their comments because of a glitch at the site www.federalregister.gov .

Before the technical glitch, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operation asked Perdue to extend the comment period from 60 to 90 days. The department opted to allow comments for 3 additional days from April 8th - 10th.

The USDA estimates that the changes would save 8-billion dollars over 5 years. Opponents predict people would go hungry instead, if the rule goes into effect.Three-quarters of a million people could lose food stamps benefits.

Congresswoman Fudge says not only do many ABAWDS live in rural communities where jobs are scarce..

Q..poor mental health.

Supporters say they want to get more people who can work, back to work.

So far nearly 30-thousand comments are overwhelmingly against the proposed rule.

To comment for or against, go to www.federalregister.gov. until the end of the day April 10th.