SNAP Cuts in Reconciliation Would Have Far-Reaching Ripple Effects on Communities Nationwide
Senate Republicans continue to debate deep cuts to basic needs services as part of a larger plan to fund President Trump’s tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. On Sunday, parliamentary rulings targeted two Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provisions, the measures to shift costs to states and to bar humanitarian-based immigrants from receiving SNAP benefits. On Tuesday, the Senate Agriculture Committee issued a press release incorrectly claiming the parliamentarian had ruled in favor of its updated language to allow its cost shift provision. That release and a related social media post celebrating a GOP “win” were promptly taken down. On Wednesday, the committee released revised language that attempts to comply with procedural requirements but is equally harmful — it keeps the state cost shift with some amendments and exempts other humanitarian-based immigrants. (See table comparison). Whether this amended version will pass muster with the parliamentarian remains to be seen.