House Republicans have included significant cuts to food stamps, transferred some food assistance program costs to states, and imposed stricter work requirements for nutrition programs in a major bill aligned with President Donald Trump’s policy objectives.
These modifications to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a major component of the larger multitrillion-dollar legislation advanced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, are projected to save approximately $300 billion over ten years. SNAP serves over 40 million Americans and is the country’s largest food assistance program. This legislative package aims to reduce federal spending by at least $1.5 trillion, addressing the national debt, which exceeds $36 trillion.
In fiscal 2025, the U.S. government has spent $1.05 trillion more than its revenue, according to the Treasury Department.
Glenn Thompson, Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, praised the bill, emphasizing its potential to better serve vulnerable populations and restore program integrity without removing individuals from nutrition programs.
However, Rep. Angie Craig, the leading Democrat on the committee, criticized the changes, claiming they would worsen hunger and poverty in the U.S. She highlighted the potential impact on parents and seniors who might lose access to food assistance if the legislation is enacted.
Proposed reforms involve changes to SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64, removing illegal migrants from benefits, and shifting financial responsibilities to states. While certain exceptions exist, such as for pregnant women, homeless individuals, veterans, and youth aged out of foster care, these exceptions will expire by 2030.
From fiscal 2028, states will begin to cover a baseline of 5% of SNAP costs, with contributions increasing based on each state’s error rate in benefit payments. The federal match rate for administrative costs will also decrease from 50% to 25%.
