The House Ag Committee is examining work requirements for SNAP benefits

SNAP benefits were front and center this week in front of the House Ag Committee, and work requirements were a big focus.

South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson says none of the proposed cuts would hurt those who truly need the help.

“Do any of the existing work requirements impact pregnant women? Do any of them impact those with disabilities? Do any of them impact those people who live in areas with high unemployment?”

“No. Depending on how you define high, but yes, if high unemployment, no, the states can waive them.”

“Do any of them impact people who have young dependents at home? Okay, Mr. Chairman, I would observe that so much of the demonization that is done around work requirements have actually no evidentiary basis. With that, I would yield back.”

House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson says putting more able-bodied Americans to work is a win-win. Democrats largely pushed back on those changes. USDA found around $10 billion in overpayments were made to SNAP recipients in 2023, with some making those errors two years in a row.

Related Stories
A court decision that overturns Enlist labels would remove two major herbicides from use and reshape EPA’s future mitigation policies for other pesticides.
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
If the House concurs and the President signs, USDA services and farm-bill programs resume at full speed with authorities extended for another year.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on what the bill could mean for truckers.
The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
The Senate has cleared a path to reopen USDA, but full restoration of services depends on House approval and the President’s signature.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The application deadline is March 8, 2026. The 1890 National Scholars Program aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences.
Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features swine competition with top exhibitors, including Grand Champion Brinley Wilson, ahead of Saturday’s premium sale.
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana discusses how the Affordable Homes Act will benefit rural communities, and her broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
NEFB President Mark McHargue recaps the Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention, producer sentiment in Nebraska, and discusses key issues facing agriculture.