A sweeping Republican tax and spending bill passed by the House would make historic cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), potentially stripping food aid from millions of Americans. The measure now heads to the Senate.
The proposed legislation requires states to shoulder more of SNAP’s costs — a major shift from the current model, where the federal government funds the entire program. In response, states could raise taxes, cut other services, or reduce SNAP eligibility.
Up to 11 million people at risk
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that nearly 11 million people would be at risk of losing some or all SNAP benefits under the bill. That includes:
- 4 million children in households impacted by adult work requirements
- 1.4 million adults aged 55 to 64 without children
- Hundreds of thousands of veterans, disabled adults, and homeless individuals
The Congressional Budget Office projects that 3 to 3.5 million people would lose access to SNAP each month on average.
Stricter work requirements proposed
The bill expands SNAP’s work requirement from adults under 50 to those up to age 65. Most able-bodied adults without dependents would need to work at least 20 hours per week to keep their benefits.
- Parents of school-age children would be newly subject to the three-month time limit.
- Exemptions for veterans, foster youth, and people experiencing homelessness would be eliminated.
- States would lose the flexibility to waive work requirements in high-unemployment areas.
Critics say this expansion would push many low-income families deeper into food insecurity.
Impact varies by state
The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center found that states would need to increase taxes or cut spending by more than 3% on average to make up for the federal funding loss.
Examples include:
- Vermont: Sales tax would rise from 6% to 8.4%
- California: From 7.2% to 9.3%
States are already preparing for possible emergency legislative sessions this fall if the bill becomes law.
Advocates warn of economic harm
Advocates argue that SNAP acts as an economic stabilizer, especially during downturns. The USDA estimates every $1 in SNAP spending generates $1.54 in local economic activity.
“Taking away food assistance when someone can’t meet a work requirement does nothing to increase employment,” said Katie Bergh of CBPP. “It just deepens hardship.”
What happens next
The Senate is expected to make changes to the legislation. If a final version is approved by both chambers, it would go to President Trump for signature.
AARP and other organizations representing older adults have expressed strong opposition, warning the bill would hurt older people and struggling families alike.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.