By Jamie Martin
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, condemned the proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in a statement regarding the Republicans' $290 billion proposal, released by the House Agriculture Committee.
"Instead of working with Democrats to lower costs from President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs, House Republicans have decided to pull the rug out from under families by cutting the SNAP benefits that 42 million Americans rely on to put food on the table all to fund a tax cut for billionaires. That’s shameful,” said Ranking Member Klobuchar.
"This means more seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and children will go to bed hungry. It means farmers, who are already operating on razor-thin margins, will see billions in lost revenue,” said Klobuchar.
“It will mean job losses and lost wages for everyone who is a part of the food system from truck drivers to local grocers. And ultimately, these cuts threaten the Farm Bill coalition that has delivered bipartisan support for farmers, families and rural communities for decades, and will make it harder for Congress to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill.”
The Republican proposal includes several significant changes to SNAP. One major provision asks states to bear a larger share of SNAP costs, potentially forcing them to reduce benefits and eligibility.
The cost-shift plan includes a base shift of 5%, additional shifts based on state error rates, and new requirements for states to cover 75% of administrative costs.
Additionally, Republicans are seeking stricter eligibility requirements. The proposal would extend work restrictions to adults aged 55-64 and parents with school-aged children.
The bill also limits USDA's flexibility to waive work requirements in times of economic hardship, potentially cutting food access for those struggling to find steady work.
Moreover, the bill proposes reductions in benefits by removing deductions for internet and utility costs for certain households. These cuts will not only harm those who rely on SNAP but also have broader economic consequences.
According to the National Grocers Association, SNAP supports around 388,000 jobs, generates $20 billion in wages, and contributes $4.5 billion in tax revenue.
Photo Credit: snap
Categories: National