H.R.793 - SNAP Benefits Fairness Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 793, the SNAP Benefits Fairness Act of 2025, aims to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 by repealing the limitation on the maximum deduction for shelter expenses when determining SNAP benefits. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 28, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture. The core purpose is to remove a specific restriction within the existing SNAP framework related to housing costs.
By eliminating the cap on shelter expense deductions, the bill seeks to provide more accurate and potentially higher SNAP benefits to eligible individuals and families. The Act is set to take effect on January 1st of the year following its enactment.
Ultimately, the bill intends to make SNAP benefits more equitable by recognizing the varying costs of housing across different regions and household circumstances.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to increase SNAP benefits for some recipients, particularly those with high shelter costs relative to their income. This could lead to improved food security for these households.
Repealing the limitation on shelter expense deductions could also increase the overall cost of the SNAP program. The exact impact on federal spending would depend on the number of households affected and the size of the benefit increases.
In addition, the change could simplify the calculation of SNAP benefits by removing a complex element of the eligibility determination process.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Food Security: Households with high shelter costs may receive higher SNAP benefits, improving their ability to afford nutritious food.
- More Equitable Benefits: Removing the shelter expense cap could lead to a fairer distribution of benefits, better reflecting actual household needs.
- Simplified Administration: Eliminating a complex calculation could streamline the administration of the SNAP program.
- Poverty Reduction: Increased benefits could help lift some families out of poverty or reduce the severity of their poverty.
- Economic Stimulus: Increased SNAP benefits could lead to increased spending on food, providing a small stimulus to the agricultural and retail sectors.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Government Spending: Removing the shelter expense cap could increase the overall cost of the SNAP program, potentially adding to the federal budget deficit.
- Potential for Abuse: Without proper oversight, there could be increased potential for fraudulent claims related to shelter expenses.
- Administrative Challenges: Implementing the change could pose initial administrative challenges for state agencies responsible for administering SNAP.
- Unintended Consequences: Removing the cap could have unintended consequences on other aspects of the SNAP program or related social safety net programs.
- Regional Disparities: The impact of the change could vary significantly across different regions, potentially exacerbating existing disparities.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to provide assistance to low-income individuals and families to afford food. The Constitution grants Congress the power to "lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States" (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1).
However, some may argue that expanding SNAP benefits could be seen as an overreach of federal power, infringing on states' rights. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.
Ultimately, the constitutionality of the SNAP Benefits Fairness Act would likely depend on judicial interpretation of the general welfare clause and the balance between federal and state authority.
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).