House GOP Bill Cuts $300 Billion SNAP Funding, Risks Millions Losing Benefits

The proposed federal budget bill passed by House Republicans includes significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), potentially reducing funding by approximately $300 billion through 2034 and shifting substantial costs to states like New Jersey and others. According to analyses from the Congressional Budget Office and independent organizations, these cuts could result in over 3 million people losing food assistance benefits, with expanded work requirements disqualifying many, including single parents and adults living with children over age six. Advocates and food bank leaders across the country warn that these reductions will exacerbate food insecurity, with demand at food pantries rising since the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns growing about the increased strain on charitable organizations. House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, assert the bill targets fraud, waste, and abuse in SNAP rather than cutting benefits and argue the changes will strengthen the program's integrity and sustainability. However, critics argue that the reforms disproportionately harm vulnerable populations who rely on SNAP, with the cuts considered the largest in the program's history. The debate highlights the tension between reducing government spending and protecting food security for millions of low-income Americans.