Senate parliamentarian approves of the Ag Committee’s revised cost-share provision of SNAP

Senate leaders may move forward with a plan to cost-share the SNAP program with states. The revised proposal comes after the Senate parliamentarian rejected an earlier version.

The revised plan would use SNAP error rates to determine what states owe. In 2023, SNAP errors totaled $10 billion, which Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman says shows the need for accountability. States could use their error rates from this year or next to calculate their match. Starting in 2029, the rate would be based on the average of the three years prior.

Savings around the SNAP program are a key part of the Senate’s reconciliation bill, as they look to save more than $200 billion over a decade.

Related Stories
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins signed six MAHA waivers for SNAP in Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
The Senate has cleared a path to reopen USDA, but full restoration of services depends on House approval and the President’s signature.
USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses how January’s WASDE report could impact ARC and PLC payments and updates on disaster relief programs as farmers navigate a challenging market environment.
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show continues through Saturday, wrapping up another successful year of celebrating agriculture in the Commonwealth.
Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.