WASHINGTON – A bill that would alter the eligibility criteria for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits, was introduced on Tuesday by nearly two dozen Republicans in an effort to make it more difficult for Americans to receive food stamps.
The bill’s primary sponsor is Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., and it would impose stricter work requirements on able-bodied adults without children, setting up a debate with Democrats over the biggest food assistance program in the country.
As Congress prepares to vote this year to reauthorize the farm bill, a legislative package that oversees agricultural and food programs, the legislation is likely to be a point of negotiation between the two major political parties.
There are 23 Republican sponsors of Johnson’s bill. Whether his proposed legislation would receive enough support to pass in the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats, is unknown.
Republican South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson introduced a bill Tuesday aimed at expanding work requirements for federal nutrition aid. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Why is Johnson’s SNAP bill necessary?
The America Works Act, which is Johnson’s bill, modifies the work requirements for able-bodied adults without children who receive SNAP benefits.
It increases the legal retirement age from 49 to 65.
It restricts a state’s ability to waive labor laws.
It places a focus on the necessity of work for physically fit adults without children.
There are many opportunities for SNAP recipients to escape poverty and improve their lives because there are more than 11 million open jobs, according to Johnson. “Work is the best pathway out of poverty,” Johnson said. “Work requirements have proven to be effective, and people who can work should work.”
Who is endorsing the SNAP legislation?
The bill’s Republican cosponsors include:
- North Carolina Reps. Chuck Edwards, Virginia Foxx, Richard Hudson
- Ohio Reps. Warren Davidson, Max Miller
- Texas Reps. Jake Ellzey, August Pfluger, Troy Nehls, Pat Fallon, Randy Weber, Michael Cloud
- Illinois Rep. Mary Miller
- Colorado Rep. Doug Lamborn
- Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer
- Oklahoma Rep. Josh Brecheen
- Virginia Rep. Jen Kiggans
- Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra
- Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke
- Missouri Rep. Mark Alford
- Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles
- Wisconsin Rep. Glenn Grothman
- Michigan Rep. Tim Walberg
- Florida Rep. Scott Franklin
Benefits from the pandemic increase expire.
To assist the millions of people who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress increased SNAP benefits at the beginning of the outbreak. However, the increased benefits expired at the end of February.
The remaining 32 states no longer have access to the additional pandemic SNAP funds, even though some states allowed their increased benefits to expire before last month.
According to the nonpartisan research and policy institute Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, some recipients will see reductions of $95 per month, but others could lose $250 or more.
Democrats advocate lowering the SNAP time limit
In his proposed budget, President Joe Biden writes that restrictions on SNAP eligibility result in inequities in both food and economic security and calls on Congress to remove these obstacles.
Democrats in the House have also advocated for extending the benefit period.
The Improving Access to Nutrition Act was once again introduced earlier this month by Representatives Barbara Lee of California and Alma Adams of North Carolina. The three-month limit for able-bodied adults without dependents on SNAP would be removed under the proposed legislation.
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