S.1197 - SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act of 2025 aims to modify the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and improve poverty measurement. Title I focuses on improving the measurement of poverty by enhancing data collection and establishing a commission to value government benefits. This includes verification of data collected in the Annual Social and Economic Supplement to the Current Population Survey and GAO reports on the effect of supplementary data on the calculation of poverty rates.
Expected Effects
The Act seeks to encourage self-sufficiency among SNAP recipients through stricter work requirements and eligibility criteria. It also introduces state matching funds for SNAP administration. These changes could lead to reduced SNAP enrollment and altered benefit distribution.
Potential Benefits
- More accurate poverty measurement could lead to better-targeted assistance programs.
- Increased state financial responsibility may encourage more efficient program administration.
- Enhanced fraud detection measures could reduce misuse of SNAP benefits.
- The focus on employment and training programs could help some recipients achieve self-sufficiency.
- The Act provides for increased reporting and transparency regarding SNAP outcomes.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Stricter work requirements and eligibility criteria could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly and disabled.
- State matching fund requirements may strain state budgets, potentially leading to reduced services.
- Increased data collection and verification could raise privacy concerns.
- The changes to EBT card usage could create barriers for authorized users.
- The emphasis on fraud prevention may lead to increased scrutiny and potential errors in benefit distribution.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's provisions generally align with Congress's power to provide for the general welfare under Article I, Section 8. The establishment of commissions and data collection efforts fall under the necessary and proper clause. However, the specific implementation of work requirements and eligibility criteria could raise concerns about equal protection under the Fifth Amendment if they disproportionately affect certain groups without a rational basis.
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).