Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025
Summary
The "Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025" (H.R. 5950) aims to ensure uninterrupted funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in fiscal year 2026. This is particularly relevant during periods when regular appropriations for the Department of Agriculture have not been enacted. The bill appropriates funds to the Secretary of Agriculture to maintain these programs without interruption.
Expected Effects
The Act would provide a safety net for SNAP and WIC recipients by ensuring continuous access to benefits even during funding gaps. It also mandates retroactive payments for any missed benefits during a lapse in appropriations from September 30, 2025, until the Act's enactment. The appropriations are available until either the enactment of regular appropriations for the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2026 or September 30, 2026.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures uninterrupted access to essential nutrition benefits for vulnerable populations (SNAP and WIC recipients).
- Provides financial security for low-income families and individuals.
- Reimburses state agencies for costs incurred during funding lapses, ensuring program continuity.
- Prevents potential disruptions in food assistance programs, mitigating hardship.
- Supports the health and well-being of women, infants, and children through WIC.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could potentially increase government spending and contribute to budget deficits if not offset by other savings.
- May create a dependence on emergency funding measures rather than addressing underlying budget issues.
- The "charge to future appropriations" clause could strain future budgets.
- Potential for administrative complexities in reimbursing state agencies.
- Might not address long-term solutions for funding stability of these programs.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Congress has the power to appropriate funds for specific purposes, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants them 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 Act falls within this enumerated power by providing for nutritional assistance programs.
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).