House Agriculture Committee Advances SNAP Overhaul In Farm Bill

The House Agriculture Committee has advanced legislation that would overhaul the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as part of efforts to cut federal spending to fund President Trump's agenda, including requiring states to cover a portion of SNAP costs based on their payment error rates and tightening work requirements for able-bodied adults up to age 64. Republicans aim to cut over $230 billion from the program, but Democrats warn these changes could lead states to reduce benefits and complicate the passage of a bipartisan farm bill. The committee's budget proposal, expected to cut $290 billion over ten years, faces internal party challenges, with some Republicans reluctant to support severe cuts and Democrats concerned about the impact on families relying on SNAP. Additionally, the House GOP is working to advance parts of a five-year farm bill within the reconciliation package, including funding for conservation programs, agricultural research, and rural community support, while also redirecting some Inflation Reduction Act conservation funds to farm bill programs. These moves underscore the tension between budget-cutting priorities and maintaining support for agricultural and nutrition assistance programs amid partisan negotiations. The reconciliation process has complicated efforts to secure broad bipartisan support for the farm bill, with key lawmakers expressing doubts about garnering sufficient Democratic backing.