A recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report reveals that the House’s new budget bill—pushed by Republicans—could remove millions of people from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the U.S.’s largest anti-hunger initiative. The proposed policy changes aim to reduce federal spending by billions but risk increasing food insecurity among vulnerable groups. The bill faces significant opposition and an uncertain future in the Senate.
Millions Risk Losing Food Assistance Under House Budget Plan
The House of Representatives passed a budget bill that could significantly reduce access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for low-income Americans. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), new work requirements and funding changes would force an estimated 3.2 million people out of the program each month on average.
CBO Forecasts $92 Billion in SNAP Spending Cuts
The bill introduces tighter work requirements for parents and older adults, slashing federal food aid by $92 billion. The CBO report also suggests the number of people affected may vary, as different provisions of the bill interact in complex ways.
Aid Amounts Expected to Drop, Not Just Eligibility
Beyond eligibility changes, SNAP recipients could see smaller benefit amounts due to policy adjustments. These include limiting updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, the metric used to calculate benefits, which would result in a $15 reduction in benefits by 2034.
State Cost-Sharing Mandate Could Push Out 1.3 Million More
The House bill includes a proposal requiring states to cover 75% of SNAP’s administrative costs and at least 5% of benefits. If states can’t meet these demands, 1.3 million more individuals could lose access to food assistance. The cost-share policy would save the federal government $128 billion.
Immigrants Face New Barriers to Access
The legislation would also restrict SNAP access for lawfully present immigrants, potentially removing 120,000 to 250,000 people from the program. This change alone is estimated to save $4 billion.
Opposition from Democrats and Advocacy Groups
Democratic lawmakers and anti-hunger organizations have condemned the bill, warning of its broader effects. These include making it harder for low-income children to get free school meals and increasing hardship for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Senate Prospects Remain Unclear
Despite passage in the House, the bill faces skepticism in the Senate. Even some Republican senators have voiced concerns, particularly regarding the SNAP cost-sharing mandate. Negotiations are expected to continue, and the bill’s future remains uncertain.
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