Maine Senators Among Dozens Opposing SNAP Rules Overhaul

PORTLAND, Maine - Maine's two senators are joining a large, mostly Democratic group in calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to withdraw proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Republican Sen. Susan Collins and independent Sen. Angus King joined the group of 47 senators in expressing concerns about the changes to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. The group says in a letter that proposed changes would take food assistance away from people who are struggling to find stable employment. The senators are criticizing a proposed regulation that would make it more difficult for governments to waive work requirements for some SNAP recipients. The group says in the letter to Perdue that the changes ignore "the intent of Congress" and "would worsen hunger in this country." They also believe it wouldn't increase employment.