Statement of CSPI Policy Associate Cassie Ramos

Late last week, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Marcia Fudge (D-OH), and Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced H.R. 5349, the Protect SNAP Act. If enacted, the bill would limit the ability of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to modify work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps).

The Protect SNAP Act was introduced two days after the USDA announced a final rule imposing more restrictive work requirements for working-age adults without children—a move that would oust 700,000 people from participating in the anti-hunger program. The proposed legislation would prevent the use of federal funds to enforce this rule.

We applaud these members of Congress for leading the charge in making sure that SNAP rules remain consistent with the goals of the program and benefit the vulnerable populations they serve. Congress reviewed SNAP policy during the 2018 Farm Bill and considered changes such as those now being made by the Trump Administration. At that time, Congress concluded that regulations reducing benefits for SNAP participants would undermine the program.

CSPI thanks Representatives DeLauro, Fudge, and Lee for leading this defense of Americans’ access to food through the SNAP program.

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