Key Takeaways
- The Senate parliamentarian has approved a revised GOP plan affecting SNAP funding based on state error rates.
- This modification is expected to save $41 billion in SNAP costs over ten years while holding states accountable for mismanagement.
- The overall Senate reconciliation plan could cut SNAP expenditures by $211 billion, redirecting funds to farm programs.
Senate Approves Revised GOP Plan on SNAP Funding
The Senate parliamentarian has given the green light to a revised GOP plan aimed at reforming the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This plan requires states to share in the costs of SNAP benefits, linked to their error rates in administering the program. This key adjustment satisfies Senate budget reconciliation guidelines, which allow for such cost-saving measures to move forward.
The updated approach will potentially cut SNAP costs by $41 billion over the next decade, according to committee staff estimates. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman emphasized the importance of these reforms, stating that they would enhance the efficiency and management of SNAP. In his statement, Boozman noted the over $10 billion wasted in 2023 due to mismanagement, highlighting the critical need for better accountability. The aim is to encourage states to adopt more effective practices and ensure that funds are prioritized for those truly in need.
The overall savings anticipated from cuts to SNAP in the Senate’s reconciliation bill is a hefty $211 billion over ten years. Notably, $67 billion of those savings are earmarked to bolster spending on farm bill programs, illustrating a double benefit of addressing both nutrition assistance and agricultural support.
The parliamentarian previously ruled that an earlier version of this provision did not comply with the Byrd rule, which governs what can be included in budget reconciliation bills that pass on a simple majority vote. Additional provisions tied to immigration status and the suspension of permanent price support authority were also rejected.
Looking ahead, Chairman Boozman indicated that the lawmakers may consider including the suspended permanent law in a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill later this year. Senate Majority Leader John Thune shared his expectation that the Senate would begin voting on the budget reconciliation bill soon, with an anticipated start on Friday.
As the Senate progresses with these discussions, the focus remains on improving program efficiency and fiscal responsibility while navigating the complexities of budget legislation.
The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.
