A plan by Republicans to shift a portion of federal food stamp costs to state governments suffered a major setback after the Senate parliamentarian found it would violate chamber rules.
Why It Matters
The blocked provision was an attempt to reduce federal spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), affecting more than 40 million low-income Americans who rely on food aid. The shift would have transferred major SNAP costs to the states, requiring them to pay at least 5 percent—and potentially more—of benefit costs, which analysts warned could result in significant cuts to nutrition support.
The parliamentarian’s decision places additional pressure on the bill’s champions to find alternative means to fund tax cuts without imperiling food assistance, Medicaid, or other federal support programs.
What To Know
The provision, a cornerstone of Republican efforts to offset the costs of President Donald Trump‘s multitrillion-dollar tax and spending legislation, has been ruled inadmissible under Senate rules, sending GOP leaders scrambling to revise the mega bill.
The ruling, issued by Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, came as the package prepared for a vote. While her opinions are advisory, they are rarely ignored in lawmaking practice. Republican lawmakers are now searching for new savings as they continue to advance Trump’s legislative priorities despite the setback.
Parliamentarian Ruling and Byrd Rule Compliance
MacDonough declared the SNAP cost-sharing plan noncompliant with the chamber’s budget reconciliation rules, specifically the Byrd Rule, which bars certain policy measures from being attached to budget bills. The proposal would have shifted billions of dollars in SNAP costs from the federal government to the states, creating a new fiscal obligation for state governments and threatening coverage for millions.
House Passes Bill with GOP SNAP Cuts
The House passed the broader tax and spending package along party lines in May 2025, including a provision to require states to fund at least 5 percent of SNAP benefits and more for high error rates. The House-passed measure’s SNAP provision was projected to save about $128 billion. Republican leaders had hoped these savings would help offset the bill’s $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and new spending.
Other Key Provisions
Beyond SNAP, the package includes an extension and expansion of individual and business tax cuts, new work requirements for Medicaid recipients, cuts to federal health and nutrition programs, increased military and border security funding, and the elimination of taxes on tips for service workers.
GOP Paths Forward
Republican leaders, including Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman of Arkansas, said they were exploring options to keep the legislation on track while still delivering savings elsewhere. Options range from modifying the disputed SNAP provision to removing it entirely or risking a procedural vote requiring 60 votes—an unlikely scenario in the current Senate.
Impact on SNAP Recipients
The plan would have expanded work requirements to older adults (up to age 65), a component that remains in the bill for now. Democrats and anti-hunger advocates warned of significant harm to those in need, with more than 3 million individuals projected to lose food stamp access based on Congressional Budget Office estimates.
Additional Rulings Expected
The Senate parliamentarian is also expected to rule on other elements in the bill, including limits on immigrant eligibility for nutrition aid and changes to federal agencies, with further decisions likely to shape the final legislation.
What People Are Saying
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, said: “We will keep fighting to protect families in need,” opposing shifts in SNAP costs to states, which she said would result in significant benefit cuts.
Arkansas Senator John Boozman, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said Republicans are “exploring options” to comply with Senate rules, while supporting those reliant on SNAP.
What Happens Next
Senate Republicans are expected to revise the bill to comply with the parliamentarian’s rulings or drop the contested SNAP provisions. Further decisions from the adviser on other elements of the megabill are anticipated before any final Senate vote.
This article contains reporting from The Associated Press.
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