Recent actions by Republicans could lead to the first requirement for states to cover food benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This shift comes after a ruling from the Senate Rules Tribunal regarding a new proposal.
Senator Elizabeth McDonough approved the revised proposal shortly after dismissing an earlier GOP suggestion about “state cost sharing.”
To support President Trump’s tax initiatives and curb federal spending, Republicans are advocating that if states have a payment error rate exceeding 6%, they should begin covering some SNAP benefits, which are currently fully funded at the state level—this change may take effect in the fiscal year 2028.
According to the updated plan, states will be able to choose either the payment error rate from 2025 or 2026 starting in 2028 to determine their matching obligations.
“For fiscal years 2029 and beyond, state contributions will be based on the payment error rates for the previous three years,” a lawmaker stated from the GOP-led Senate Agriculture Committee. “If the error rate surpasses 6%, the state will be required to cover the SNAP cost-of-profit ratio.”
The Republicans highlighted that this approach aims to motivate states to reduce their payment error rates.
“This initiative opens the door for significant reforms that enhance SNAP efficiency and accountability while promoting responsible taxpayer spending,” said John Boozman (R-ARK) from the Senate Agriculture Committee. “It’s troubling that over $10 billion was mishandled in 2023, underlining the necessity for stricter accountability,” he continued. “Our rational approach encourages states to improve practices, diminish error rates, and better manage taxpayer funds, concentrating resources on those who truly need assistance.”
In a discussion about the revised plan earlier this week, Boozman suggested that the updates “simply provide more information to the state.”
“Although it impacts the program’s operation, the essence remains unchanged,” he noted. “This may provide them more flexibility and insight.”
“The overall savings remain relatively consistent,” he added.
However, Democrats have strongly criticized this initiative, warning that transferring billions to states could prompt them to further cut funding.
“Congress has made the decision to reduce food assistance for millions of Americans to benefit billionaires with tax breaks,” remarked Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat on the Agriculture Committee. “Rather than collaborating with Democrats to lower costs for citizens, Republicans are offloading expenses to states that are already stretched thin,” she stated. “We will persist in opposing these proposals that increase food costs and diminish support for millions, including vulnerable groups like seniors, children, and veterans.”
