By Seth Laurence/WHOW/RFD Radio

WASHINGTON – Democrats involved in the Farm Bill negotiations have been blasting Republicans for excluding them from the process of crafting the next Farm Bill and a central Illinois congressman responds to that criticism.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis of Taylorville, serves on the House Ag Committee which approved the measure in a 26-20 vote.

Davis said Democrats were opposed to what he calls, the common sense reforms they want to see aimed at families on benefit programs.

“I certainly don’t know what the contentious issue should have been,” Davis said. “Our initial changes were going to be to actually invest in families who are on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).”

Davis said the measure pays for job training for food stamp recipients. Democrats say the work rules could greatly reduce the number of eligible recipients.

Davis called out Democrats he’s worked with in the past for not participating when given the opportunity.

“The Democrats on the House Ag Committee unfortunately chose not to participate in the amendment process to even offer any changes. That’s how we make changes to bills we don’t like,” Davis said. “If you choose not to participate, you then can’t complain about the process, like many of them did.”

Western Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos has been among the Democrats critical of farm bill negotiations.