House Republicans are pushing for stricter work requirements for food stamp recipients that would save taxpayers billions while encouraging self-sufficiency.

At a Glance

• House Republicans proposed raising the age limit for SNAP work requirements from 54 to 64
• Parents with children over age 7 would now be subject to work requirements
• The Agriculture Committee aims to find $230 billion in spending cuts
• States would start sharing 5% of SNAP benefit costs by 2028
• The changes are part of a larger reconciliation package advancing Trump’s agenda

Expanded Work Requirements Target Program Reform

House Republicans unveiled sweeping changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that would extend work requirements to more recipients. The proposal raises the upper age limit for able-bodied adults without dependents who must work to receive benefits from 54 to 64 years old. Additionally, parents with children older than seven years would now face work requirements to maintain eligibility, a significant change from current rules.

The new provisions are designed to restore the program to its original intent by encouraging employment and self-sufficiency while reducing what Republicans characterize as government waste. The House Agriculture Committee, which oversees SNAP, has been tasked with finding approximately $230 billion in spending cuts as part of a larger $1.5 to $2 trillion reduction in federal spending sought through the budget reconciliation process.

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States to Share Financial Burden

The Republican proposal would fundamentally alter the financial structure of SNAP by shifting some costs to state governments. Beginning in 2028, states would be required to cover a 5% baseline share of benefit costs, marking a significant departure from the current system where the federal government bears the entire cost of benefits. The plan also reduces federal reimbursement for states’ administrative costs from 50% to 25%.

This cost-sharing approach represents a philosophical shift toward greater state responsibility in welfare programs. The change would create incentives for states to ensure program integrity and reduce improper payments, according to supporters. Critics may argue it places additional financial strain on state budgets and could lead to benefit reductions in states with fiscal constraints.

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Part of Broader Republican Agenda

The SNAP reforms represent just one component of an ambitious Republican legislative effort coordinated across 11 different House committees. Each committee is working on portions of a comprehensive reconciliation package that addresses key priorities from President Trump’s agenda, including border security, immigration reform, tax policy, energy production, defense spending, and addressing the debt limit.

Republicans are utilizing the budget reconciliation process, which allows them to pass legislation with a simple majority in the Senate rather than the usual 60-vote threshold. This strategic approach effectively sidelines Democrats in the evenly divided Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson has set an ambitious timeline, aiming to complete the House’s portion of the legislative package by Memorial Day.

Economic Impact and Program Effectiveness

The proposed changes to SNAP would represent one of the most significant overhauls of the program in recent years. SNAP currently serves more than 40 million Americans, providing food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program has expanded significantly in recent decades, with federal spending reaching nearly $120 billion annually. Republicans argue the proposed reforms would help control this growth while better targeting assistance to those most in need.

By expanding work requirements, the legislation aims to reduce long-term dependency on government assistance while ensuring resources are available for the truly vulnerable. The Agriculture Committee’s proposals will be combined with other committees’ work into a massive reconciliation bill that proponents say will put the federal government on a more sustainable fiscal path while promoting economic growth and individual responsibility.