Senate Ruling Stalls GOP Plan to Shift Food Aid Costs, Protects Alabama’s SNAP Funding
WASHINGTON — A significant setback for Senate Republicans came recently when the chamber’s parliamentarian ruled against a proposal that aimed to partially shift the costs of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to individual states. This decision is expected to save Alabama millions, as the proposed change violated established Senate rules.
The GOP intended to reduce the financial obligations states would bear for SNAP, which would still require them to cover up to 15% of benefits based on payment error rates. Alabama’s current error rate of around 7% would result in the state being responsible for approximately $90 million, or 5% of SNAP costs. Advocates assert that such a plan could diminish benefits for many, exacerbating food insecurity.
While the parliamentarian’s rulings are typically followed, they are not binding, leaving the door open for Republicans to rework language in the bill in a bid to include the cost-share provision. The reconciliation process permits the bill to advance with a simple Senate majority, contingent upon compliance with the Byrd Rule, which disallows extraneous provisions.
Laura Lester, CEO of Feeding Alabama, expressed relief at the ruling but voiced concerns about potential attempts to circumvent the Byrd Rule. "Taking food away from thousands of Alabamians would devastate families and communities,” she said.
Senator John Boozman, the Agriculture Committee chairman, noted ongoing efforts to reform SNAP for better efficiency while ensuring support for those in genuine need. Meanwhile, top Democrat Senator Amy Klobuchar heralded the ruling as a victory for families and agricultural communities, urging Republicans to pursue a bipartisan approach to reform.
The GOP’s plan to increase the administrative costs of SNAP for states from 50% to 75% remains in contention, potentially costing Alabama an additional $35 million annually.
With a vote on the contentious budget bill anticipated soon, Republicans are racing against a July 4 deadline. If approved by the Senate, the revised legislation will require another vote in the House.
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