On Friday, senators expressed their opposition to various Republican regulations tied to President Trump’s extensive proposals. One significant point of contention is a provision that would prevent citizens and legal residents from accessing food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Elizabeth McDonough, the Congressional parliamentarian, also opposed key financial measures in the bill. One such measure insisted that states cover a specific percentage of food assistance costs under SNAP, based on their accuracy in delivering aid.
This proposal, which aimed to transfer SNAP expenses to the states, has been a major sticking point for Republican senators Lisa Markowski from Alaska and Susan Collins from Maine.
The ruling from Congress might ease the path for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to secure support from Markowski and Collins, particularly as SNAP-related funding is removed from the legislation.
The current Senate bill proposed that states would have to contribute between 5% and 15% toward food benefits by 2028, contingent on their error rates in administering such benefits.
Most states currently have error rates above 6%, which raises concerns about the proposal’s feasibility.
According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, North Carolina could face significant costs under the current Senate language—potentially up to $438 million for food assistance by 2028.
McDonough’s decision has dealt another blow to GOP leadership, particularly regarding the suspension of the permanent price support department, a typical element of the farm bill.
In December, Congress had passed a one-year extension of the farm bill, as both Democrats and Republicans were unable to agree on a multi-year extension primarily due to conflicting views on SNAP funding.
Senator Jeff Markley, a Democrat and member of the Senate Budget Committee, welcomed Congress’s actions on Friday.
“The senators have started indicating that certain elements in this grand Republican proposal will be scrutinized under the Bird Rule, suggesting they will need to be altered or removed to meet legislative requirements,” he stated.
“Senate Republicans seem eager to disregard their own guidelines to appease their conservative base and push forward. However, there are rules in place, and we are adamant about enforcing them,” he continued. “We’re committed to opposing this bill daily until Republicans bring it to the floor.”
Any elements of the settlement package that conflict with the Bird Rules cannot be passed with a simple majority vote.
If Thune and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham do not eliminate the disputed provisions, the Republican package would require 60 votes to progress.
Some aspects of the bill were also challenged based on the jurisdiction of the Commerce Commission, including $250 million designated for Coast Guard Station in South Padre Island, Texas, which suffered damage from a fire in 2025.
Additionally, McDonough deemed that the allocation of $85 million for displaying the Smithsonian Aerospace Museum’s space shuttle through a Texas nonprofit was not eligible for budget adjustments in the initial track.
Provisions that do not comply with the Bird Rules will require at least 60 votes to overcome objections.
