“Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Brentwood, said it wouldn’t take “a single benefit away from those who truly need government assistance. It simply reforms the SNAP program to serve those most in need while ensuring the fiscal well-being of our nation during these difficult economic times.”

Rep. Phil Roe, R-Johnson City, said the larger cuts could be made “without significantly impacting those most in need of food security.” And Rep. Stephen Fincher, R-Frog Jump, said the House “has always been focused on making sure that there is funding for those who are truly in need.”

Rep. John Duncan, R-Knoxville, complained that administrators of the program “have no incentive to keep people off.”

“They will get bigger offices, staffs and funding if even more people get food stamps,” he said.