Senate Parliamentarian Blocks GOP Food Stamp Cost-Sharing Plan

The Senate parliamentarian has ruled that a key Republican proposal in President Donald Trump's $4.5 trillion tax and spending bill—requiring states to share costs of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—violates Senate rules, specifically the Byrd Rule, which restricts provisions in budget reconciliation bills. This ruling blocks Republicans from shifting some food stamp costs to states, a measure that was expected to save tens of billions of dollars and help offset the bill's tax cuts. While the parliamentarian's decisions are advisory, they are rarely ignored, forcing GOP leaders to reconsider the bill's provisions ahead of an anticipated Senate vote. The House version had mandated a 5% state cost-share on the $100 billion annual SNAP benefits, a move that critics say would pressure states to reduce aid to vulnerable families. Despite this setback, stricter work requirements for SNAP recipients remain in the bill, and Republicans continue to push the legislation through budget reconciliation to avoid a Democratic filibuster. Democrats have vowed to fight the bill, emphasizing the importance of protecting families in need against deep cuts disguised as budget savings.