WASHINGTON (AP) — An Associated Press review finds that cuts to the nation's food stamp program enacted this year are only affecting four states, far from the sweeping overhaul that Republicans had pushed.

As a result, it's unclear whether the law will realize the estimated $8.6 billion in savings over 10 years that the GOP had advertised.

The food stamp cuts were passed as part of a massive farm bill. The intent of the legislation was to save money by clamping down on states that were using certain provisions of a federal heating assistance program to increase food stamp benefits.

Of the 16 states that allow the practice or some form of it, 12 governors have taken steps to avoid the food stamp cuts.

This practice has infuriated Republicans who pushed the cuts.

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