Food stamp work requirements could hit millions more Americans in new House bill

House Republicans are proposing significant reforms to federal benefits, with a focus on imposing work requirements on a broader segment of the American population. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., chair of the Main Street Caucus, plans to introduce the “America Works Act of 2025,” which would mandate that single, able-bodied Americans aged 18 to 65 on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) engage in at least 20 hours per week of work or work-related education.

The bill includes exemptions for adults with a dependent child under age 7, emphasizing the importance of work, training, and education in breaking the cycle of poverty. Johnson stressed the necessity for able-bodied individuals to work in order to utilize welfare programs as pathways out of poverty.

As House Republicans gear up for negotiations on meeting spending cut targets to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda through the budget reconciliation process, the proposed bill aims to make millions more Americans eligible for SNAP work requirements. The reconciliation process allows the majority party to pass budgetary priorities with minimal support from the opposing side.

In an effort to offset spending costs, the House Committee on Agriculture is directed to find areas for cuts, with a focus on reducing SNAP spending by at least $230 billion. The bill grants the Department of Agriculture the authority to exempt individuals in counties with unemployment rates exceeding 10%.

While the bill is expected to result in significant cost savings, Johnson emphasized that the primary goal is to bring about social change and empower individuals to escape poverty. The proposed legislation seeks to remove exemptions for young adults transitioning out of foster care and veterans, arguing that work requirements have been proven to improve lives.

The bill would revert to previous eligibility requirements, ensuring that all individuals, including veterans and former foster care youth, are subject to the same work requirements. Exceptions would still apply to pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, and those residing in high-unemployment areas.

Overall, the proposed reforms aim to promote self-sufficiency and economic empowerment among Americans receiving federal benefits. By emphasizing the importance of work and education, the bill seeks to break the cycle of poverty and create pathways to financial stability for individuals in need.