U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is ramping up pressure on House Republicans over a new proposal that would make historic cuts to both Medicaid and SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program. Speaking from Western New York on June 3, Schumer condemned the proposed $230 billion SNAP cut and the largest Medicaid rollback in U.S. history, warning it would push families into a full-blown hunger and healthcare crisis.
Medicaid rollback could strip coverage from 14 million Americans
Under the GOP plan — dubbed the “big, beautiful bill” by its backers — nearly 14 million Americans could lose Medicaid coverage. Schumer said rural hospitals may be forced to close, premiums would rise, and millions would be left without access to care.
“This is the biggest cut to Medicaid in American history,” Schumer said on the Senate floor. “Kids, seniors, disabled Americans, and healthcare workers will all suffer — just so billionaires can get another tax break.”
SNAP cut would hit 40 million Americans — and devastate NY families
The proposed SNAP cut, which would slash up to $230 billion from the program, comes as hunger rises across the U.S. Schumer stood alongside Western NY religious leaders, food banks, and farmers to sound the alarm. He said the proposal is a moral failure that would rob food from children, seniors, and veterans.
“No child should ever go to bed hungry,” Schumer said in Buffalo. “Stealing from SNAP to fund Trump’s tax breaks for billionaires is cruel, backwards, and morally wrong.”
Already, the USDA under the Trump administration has canceled $1 billion in food aid, including 8,000 cases of food for FeedMore WNY. FeedMore is facing a $3.5 million loss in food for 2025 due to federal funding cuts.
Local impact: Western NY SNAP recipients
- Erie County: 147,427 people on SNAP (15.5% of population)
- Niagara County: 26,650 recipients
- Chautauqua County: 23,926 recipients
- Cattaraugus County: 10,959 recipients
In total, 208,962 people in Western NY rely on SNAP. Many are children, seniors, and people with disabilities. A further 77,000 households in NY’s 26th Congressional District receive $337 million annually in benefits.
Faith and food leaders urge Republicans to block cuts
Standing beside Schumer were leaders from Catholic Charities of Buffalo, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and Primera’s Food Pantry.
“Food insecurity is not someone else’s problem — it’s our problem,” said Deacon Steve Schumer of Catholic Charities.
“Our pantry has seen a 50% increase in visitors,” added Pastor Cesar Galarza. “People are being forced to choose between groceries and rent.”
“SNAP is a lifeline,” said Collin Bishop of FeedMore WNY, which distributed food to over 165,700 people in 2024 — a 46% increase since 2021.
SNAP cuts would ripple across economy
According to the National Grocers Association:
- SNAP generated over $2.1 billion in grocery sales in NY State
- In NY-26 alone, it created over 1,288 jobs and $356.9 million in wages
Reducing SNAP now would devastate not just families, but local economies and food suppliers, Schumer warned.
What’s next?
The GOP-led House could push the proposal forward in the coming weeks. Schumer is urging New York Republicans in swing districts to oppose the plan and protect SNAP and Medicaid.
“They can stop this. They must choose: feed hungry families or feed billionaires’ greed.”
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