House GOP releases SNAP cost-sharing plan with states
House Republicans, led by the agriculture Committee, have unveiled a proposal as part of a extensive bill that seeks to modify the funding structure for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Currently funded entirely by the federal government, the new plan suggests that states should assume some financial obligation, with their costs linked to the accuracy of benefit distribution. as an example, states with higher error rates in processing may end up covering more of the costs. This could impact lower-income states disproportionately.
The committee anticipates that these changes could generate savings of up to $230 billion, with discussions highlighting the potential burdens on specific states like Hawaii, which has one of the highest error rates. The proposal also introduces increased work requirements for SNAP recipients, raising the age limit from 54 to 64 and limiting exemptions for caregivers of young children.
chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson emphasized the need to realign SNAP with its intended purpose of providing temporary assistance while encouraging work. Trump has urged Republicans to rally behind this plan as part of a larger effort to cut $1.5 trillion in spending. While the proposal faces criticism from some within the party, especially centrist Republicans, it marks a significant shift in the approach to food assistance funding.
House GOP releases SNAP cost-sharing plan with states in Trump’s megabill
House Republicans on the Agriculture Committee released their portion of the “big, beautiful bill” on Monday, which outlined a change in how SNAP benefits are funded.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is completely paid for by the federal government. The bill text released last night from Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA) proposes that the states take on some financial responsibility for the program. The size of the costs they take on would be tied to the error rate of processing the benefits and whether states overpay or underpay recipients.
The committee estimates the savings could reach $230 billion.
The lowest amount a state would pay would be 5%. That number would increase with the state’s error rate. States with error rates near 10% could be on the hook for 25% of the program costs.
Some Republicans are wary of the changes, anticipating that the cost could unevenly burden lower-income states. States such as Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, New Jersey, and South Carolina are also in danger of facing higher costs because of their higher error rates, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Hawaii’s error rate is about 60%, per the most recent data. Recent USDA cuts have exacerbated food insecurity issues in Hawaii and could be affecting the agency’s error rate.
HOUSE GOP’S MEDICAID REFORMS WILL BE HASHED OUT IN PUBLIC
“We need to look deeper at what is causing these error rates,” Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI) told Politico. “It would be unfair to try to impose something like that while you’re creating conditions that ultimately would increase the potential for error, like reducing staffing and changing requirements.”
The SNAP proposal also includes new work requirements for recipients to receive food benefits, by increasing the age limit from 54 to 64 and limiting exemptions to caregivers of children under
7.
“For far too long, the SNAP program has drifted from a bridge to support American households in need to a permanent destination riddled with bureaucratic inefficiencies, misplaced incentives, and limited accountability,” House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) said in a statement. “This portion of the One Big, Beautiful Bill restores the program’s original intent, offering a temporary helping hand while encouraging work, cracking down on loopholes exploited by states, and protecting taxpayer dollars while supporting the hardworking men and women of American agriculture.”
President Donald Trump encouraged Republicans to support the proposal, saying on Truth Social, “This week the Republicans are meeting in the Tax, Energy, and Agriculture Committees on major pieces of ‘THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL.’ Republicans need to UNIFY behind their Highly Respected Chairmen, Jason Smith, Brett Guthrie, and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. Remember, these are men that truly strive to do what is RIGHT for America.”
The Agriculture Committee’s bill text is one of many to be released this week. House Republicans are hoping to cut spending by $1.5 trillion. Proposals targeting SNAP, Medicaid, and the SALT deduction have drawn criticism from some centrist and blue-state Republicans, who could face even tougher reelection bids if benefits are cut.
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