House Republicans are pushing sweeping changes to the food stamp program in a controversial debt-reduction effort that could strip access from millions while transferring more costs to the states.
At a Glance
- GOP bill proposes $300 billion in SNAP cuts over 10 years.
- Work requirements would expand to include adults up to age 64 and parents of kids over 7.
- States would be forced to share program costs starting in 2028.
- Democrats say the bill hurts families, seniors, and children.
- The package is part of a $1.5 trillion debt reduction plan and faces a Senate battle.
Major SNAP Overhaul in GOP Debt Bill
House Republicans have passed legislation that would dramatically reshape the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, with the stated goal of tackling the nation’s soaring debt. The measure expands work requirements for able-bodied adults ages 18 to 64, extends them to parents of older children, excludes undocumented immigrants, and slashes the federal contribution for state administration.
Watch a report: PBS NewsHour – GOP Plan Would Cut Millions from SNAP
House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn Thompson defended the bill, stating that it “restores program integrity while ensuring those who truly need nutrition assistance continue to receive it.” Republicans argue that the savings—estimated at $300 billion over a decade—are essential to reversing America’s $36 trillion national debt.
States Bear the Burden
Beyond reducing eligibility, the legislation would shift financial responsibility to states. Starting in fiscal year 2028, states would be required to cover 5% of all SNAP benefit costs, and those with high error rates in benefit distribution would be penalized with higher contributions. The federal match for administrative costs would drop from 50% to 25%.
Republicans frame this as incentivizing efficiency. But state governments—already straining under Medicaid and education mandates—warn the measure could force cuts in other public services.
Dems Call It an Attack on the Poor
Democrats and anti-hunger advocates are slamming the bill, calling it a betrayal of America’s most vulnerable citizens. Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) warned that the proposal would “hurt families and seniors by reducing access to food,” while advocacy groups point to recent CBO projections showing that millions could be dropped from SNAP if the bill becomes law.
The bill is already being labeled a “reverse Robin Hood” measure, especially as it coincides with other Republican proposals to lower corporate tax rates and boost defense spending.
Senate Showdown Looms
While the bill passed the House, it faces major obstacles in the Senate. Democrats have vowed to block the proposal, and some moderate Republicans are expressing concerns about the impact on their constituents. Still, the GOP has made clear that SNAP reform is a priority in its larger $1.5 trillion package that also targets energy subsidies, immigration enforcement, and defense realignments.
As the Congressional Budget Office evaluates the long-term effects, both parties are bracing for a high-stakes fight. With the September 30 fiscal deadline approaching, SNAP’s future may hang in the balance—not just as a policy, but as a symbol of the nation’s ideological clash over debt, poverty, and the role of government.
