More people to see food stamp work requirements under Trump budget bill
House Republicans are making a push to tighten work requirements for food stamps in an effort to reduce government waste and save taxpayer money for President Donald Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda. The comprehensive bill, known as the “big, beautiful bill,” is being pieced together by 11 different House committees, each focusing on a specific aspect under their jurisdiction.
One significant change proposed in the bill is raising the upper age limit for work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from certain able-bodied adults up to age 54 to individuals up to age 64. Additionally, the new provision would include SNAP recipients with children above the age of 7 who qualify for work requirements, eliminating the current exemption for dependents under age 18.
The House Agriculture Committee, responsible for overseeing federal food programs and supporting American farmers, has been tasked with identifying $230 billion in spending cuts out of a total of $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion. These cuts are crucial to offset the expenses related to Trump’s other policy priorities.
Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., emphasized the need to restore the SNAP program’s original intent, which is to provide temporary assistance while promoting work, closing loopholes exploited by states, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. The legislation also proposes that states eventually cover some of the costs associated with SNAP, as the federal government currently fully funds SNAP expenses for all 50 states and half of the administrative costs.
The bill introduces a 5% baseline benefit cost share for all states starting in 2028, with states experiencing higher rates of erroneous payments required to pay more. Furthermore, the government’s reimbursement rate for states’ administrative costs would be reduced from 50% to 25%.
House and Senate Republicans are leveraging the budget reconciliation process to advance Trump’s agenda this year. This legislative maneuver allows the majority party in Congress and the White House to pass significant legislation related to budgetary matters with a simple majority vote, bypassing the need for bipartisan support.
Trump’s priorities, including border security, immigration, taxes, energy, defense, and the debt limit, are at the forefront of the reconciliation process. The House Agriculture Committee, alongside other key committees, is expected to finalize their portions of the bill on Tuesday, with the aim of merging them into a comprehensive bill that must pass both chambers of Congress before reaching Trump’s desk.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has set a goal for the House to complete its part of the reconciliation effort by Memorial Day. The comprehensive bill aims to streamline government spending, promote accountability, and align with Trump’s policy objectives.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, is leading the coverage of the House of Representatives. Stay updated on Twitter at @liz_elkind and share any tips with elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
