SNAP changes proposed in GOP's 'big, beautiful bill.' Here's what to know
Share this @internewscast.com


(NEXSTAR) – Congressional Republicans are working to pass a massive, 1,116-page piece of legislation – titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” – that includes changes to everything from taxes to student loans, Medicaid to deportations, a “Golden Dome” of defense and federal cuts to SNAP.

SNAP, which stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, used to be called the Food Stamp Program. It provides low-income people and families with financial assistance to pay for groceries.

What changes to SNAP are in the ‘big, beautiful bill?’

The bill would first and foremost cut federal funding for SNAP by about $267 billion over a 10 year-period.

States would be expected to make up the gap, shoulder 5% of the benefit costs and a majority (75%) of SNAP’s administrative costs. Currently, states pay none of the benefit costs and only half of the administration costs.

Another provision would make states pay even more of the benefit costs if their payment error rate tops 6%. There’s a sliding scale that would require states with higher error rates to pay between 15% and 25% of the benefit costs. While supporters say it incentivizes lower error rates, critics argue it would lead to states cutting benefits for those in need.

Under the new plan, more people would also be required to prove they are working, pursuing an education or are in a training program to qualify for food assistance. Currently, able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 54 have to meet these work requirements to get food stamps for more than three months. Under the bill, those requirements would extend up to age 64.

There are exceptions to the work requirements, a USDA spokesperson previously told Nexstar. Homeless people, veterans, or youth ages 18 to 24 who aged out of foster care are all exempt from these requirements. People who cannot work due to a physical or mental limitation, are pregnant, or have a child 18 or younger living in their home are also exempt.

This bill would change that last exemption. Only adults caring for a dependent child under the age of 7 would be exempt from the SNAP work requirements.

What’s next for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act?

The House Rules Committee discussed the bill early Wednesday as Trump was meeting with House Republicans to convince holdouts to vote in favor of it. If it did pass the House, it would face even more hurdles in the Senate.

The act’s name is a nod to President Donald Trump, who described the legislation as a “big, beautiful bill.” Democrats have described it quite differently. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called it an “extreme and toxic bill.”

There is a lot more proposed in the bill’s 1,116 pages. The Hill previously broke down some of the major pieces of the plan here, but several elements could change as the bill works its way through Congress.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

California Girl’s Mysterious Disappearance: Mother Returns from Out-of-State Trip Without Daughter, Sparks Investigation

The disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard has captured the attention of authorities…

Colleagues Honor Cherished CSRA Radio Host’s Legacy

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Central Savannah River Area is in mourning following…

Tampa Bay Waterkeeper Takes Action to Safeguard Local Watersheds

Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) — As Florida’s largest open water estuary, Tampa Bay…

Experience Coca-Cola Night at the Georgia-Carolina State Fair: Enjoy Thursday Admission for Just $7

AUGUSTA, Ga. – NewsChannel 6’s Brad Means is on the scene at…

Ex-South Carolina Elections Chief Arrested in Richland County: Details Unfold

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The former executive director of the South…

Japan’s Prime Minister Commits to Strengthening Defense Amid Growing Regional Challenges

In Tokyo, newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered her inaugural…

Pentagon Boosts Rio Grande Security with Enhanced Coast Guard Patrols: A Strategic Response

The U.S. Coast Guard plans to hold a press conference on Thursday…

Asian Markets Surge as White House Confirms Upcoming Trump-Xi Meeting

The anticipation of a significant diplomatic encounter has injected positivity into Asian…

Danville School Board’s Unanimous Decision: Administrator Dismissal Sparks Change

In a decisive move, the Danville Board of Education has chosen to…

Central IL Farmers Unite: Combating Food Insecurity with Bountiful Harvests and Community Support

In an inspiring collaboration, several Central Illinois organizations have joined forces to…

Winsome Earle-Sears Engages with Marion’s Small Business Community During Virginia Governor Race

MARION, Va. (WJHL) — On Thursday afternoon, Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate…

Understanding the K-Shaped Recovery: How America’s Economy is Dividing and What It Means for You

The current state of the U.S. economy reveals a stark divide: prosperity…