Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025
Summary
The "Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025" is a bill introduced in the Senate to appropriate funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The bill aims to ensure uninterrupted benefits under these programs during periods when regular appropriations for the Department of Agriculture have not been enacted.
Specifically, it appropriates funds to the Secretary of Agriculture to provide uninterrupted benefits and consolidated block grants under SNAP and to carry out the WIC program without interruption in fiscal year 2026. The bill also includes a provision for retroactivity, covering any missed benefits from September 30, 2025, until the date of enactment.
The appropriations would be available until either regular appropriations for the Department of Agriculture are enacted or until September 30, 2026. The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to reimburse state agencies for costs incurred during any lapse in appropriations, ensuring that eligible individuals and families continue to receive assistance.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would ensure that eligible individuals and families continue to receive SNAP and WIC benefits without interruption, even during periods of government funding uncertainty. This would prevent potential disruptions in food assistance for vulnerable populations, including low-income families, children, and pregnant or postpartum women.
State agencies would be reimbursed for costs incurred during funding lapses, reducing the financial burden on states to maintain these essential programs. The bill's retroactivity clause ensures that any missed benefits during a lapse in appropriations are covered, providing additional security for beneficiaries.
However, the bill does not address the underlying issues that lead to funding lapses, such as disagreements over budget priorities. It also relies on future appropriations to cover the expenditures made under this Act, potentially impacting future budget allocations.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures uninterrupted access to food assistance for low-income families and individuals.
- Provides stability for vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
- Reduces the financial burden on state agencies during federal funding lapses.
- Maintains the nutritional support necessary for healthy development and well-being.
- Offers a safety net during times of economic uncertainty or government funding delays.
Potential Disadvantages
- Does not address the root causes of funding lapses, offering only a temporary solution.
- Relies on future appropriations to cover current expenditures, potentially impacting future budgets.
- Could create a dependency on emergency funding measures rather than stable, long-term funding solutions.
- May not incentivize Congress to reach timely agreements on appropriations bills.
- Potential for increased government spending and debt if not managed responsibly.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). It falls under Congress's power to appropriate funds for federal programs, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. It operates within the established framework of federal funding and program administration.
However, some may argue that the bill's reliance on deficit spending could raise concerns about long-term fiscal responsibility and the potential impact on future generations, which could be seen as conflicting with the goal of securing the "Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" (Preamble).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).