H.R.2753 - Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2753, the "Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act of 2025," aims to amend the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. The bill introduces a point of order against reconciliation measures that would cut benefits for Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This point of order would be in effect until January 20, 2029.
The bill seeks to protect vulnerable populations by preventing cuts to essential social safety net programs during the reconciliation process. Reconciliation is a legislative process that allows for expedited consideration of budget-related legislation in the Senate.
By creating a point of order, the bill would make it more difficult for Congress to pass legislation that reduces funding or eligibility for Medicaid and SNAP through the reconciliation process.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to create a procedural hurdle for any reconciliation bill that seeks to reduce benefits or eligibility for Medicaid and SNAP. This would provide increased protection for these programs against budget cuts passed through the reconciliation process.
This would likely lead to more robust debate and potentially require bipartisan support for any changes to these programs. It could also force Congress to find alternative ways to reduce the budget deficit, rather than targeting these specific social safety nets.
Ultimately, the bill aims to ensure that vulnerable populations continue to receive necessary assistance for healthcare and nutrition, at least until January 20, 2029.
Potential Benefits
- Protects vulnerable populations: Ensures continued access to healthcare and nutrition assistance for low-income individuals and families.
- Provides stability for social safety nets: Prevents abrupt or drastic cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
- Encourages thoughtful budgeting: Requires Congress to consider alternative budget solutions instead of solely relying on cuts to social programs.
- Promotes public health: Maintains access to healthcare services for Medicaid recipients, contributing to better health outcomes.
- Reduces food insecurity: Preserves SNAP benefits, helping to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition among low-income households.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limits budgetary flexibility: Restricts Congress's ability to make adjustments to Medicaid and SNAP during the reconciliation process, potentially hindering efforts to reduce the budget deficit.
- Creates potential for political gridlock: May lead to increased partisan conflict over budget priorities, as reconciliation is often used to pass legislation with simple majority support.
- May disincentivize program efficiency: Could reduce the incentive for states and the federal government to find ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Medicaid and SNAP.
- Potential for unintended consequences: The point of order could lead to other programs being cut more deeply to compensate for the protected status of Medicaid and SNAP.
- Temporary protection: The limitation on cuts expires on January 20, 2029, leaving the programs vulnerable to future budget cuts.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is primarily related to Congress's power to appropriate funds and legislate for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. This section grants Congress the power to collect taxes 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 liberties. It is a procedural measure designed to influence the legislative process related to budget reconciliation.
However, some could argue that by restricting the ability to adjust budget allocations, the bill may indirectly affect the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches, although this is not a direct constitutional conflict.
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).