US lawmakers vote to cut food stamp benefits from 2014

An estimated one in seven Americans receive food stamps. 

US lawmakers have narrowly voted to cut food stamp benefits from next year despite a veto threat from the White House and opposition from lobby groups.

The Republican-led House of Representatives passed the bill by 217-200. But it has little chance in the Democratic-held Senate.

The bill would save $39bn (£24bn) over a decade, but affect four million people on the programme.

It comes a day after census data showed 15% of Americans live in poverty.

Read more... 'Let them starve' bill