When it comes to economic support programs for people in poverty, every legislative session brings a fresh debate over who “deserves” assistance and who doesn’t. One popular point of contention is that of asset limits—how much we account for a person’s possessions, and not just income, when it comes to determining need. For instance, what if someone is unemployed but has a car, house, or 401(1)k? Are they “poor” enough to qualify for government assistance?

The U.S. House’s 2013 farm bill passed the House Agriculture Committee last month, and will soon be heard on the House floor. This bill would cut the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP, which is also known as Food Support in Minnesota) by more than $20 billion over the next ten years. Nationwide, two million Americans would lose access to food support that makes a real difference to their well-being.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.