GOP Bill Expected to Cut SNAP Benefits for Over 3 Million Americans

The Republican-backed "Big Beautiful Bill," recently passed by the U.S. House, proposes significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), potentially affecting over 3 million Americans who rely on food aid. Key provisions include tightening work requirements by raising the age limit from 54 to 64 and reducing exemptions for adults living with children older than 6, which the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects would cause 3.2 million people to lose benefits, including 1 million older adults and 1.4 million currently exempted individuals. Additionally, the bill would exclude non-citizens and some lawfully present immigrants from eligibility, potentially cutting benefits for up to 250,000 people. These changes would shift a substantial financial burden to states, with Oregon estimating costs of nearly $1 billion every two years, and Wisconsin facing over $300 million in cuts to SNAP funding. Democrats strongly oppose the bill, arguing it prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy over the needs of struggling families, while some Republicans express concern that the cuts either do not go far enough or go too far. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain amid opposition from some GOP senators and Democratic resistance.