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:

Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to step in, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region.
Reviewing risk management now can help dairy and livestock producers enter 2026 with clearer margins and fewer surprises.
Canada’s new voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will take effect on Jan. 1, a goodwill effort to promote fairness and transparency between retailers and support farms that sell directly to stores.
With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
Pork producers warn that proposed definitions of “ultra-processed” food in guidelines from the “Make America Healthy Again” plan could negatively impact industry-standard bacon, sausage, and feed practices.