Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025
Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What This Bill Does** This bill is a safety net designed to keep two major food assistance programs running if the federal government runs out of money. Specifically, it would ensure that SNAP (food stamps) and WIC (a nutrition program for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children) continue operating without interruption if Congress fails to pass a regular budget for the Department of Agriculture in 2026. The bill also covers nutrition assistance programs in Puerto Rico and American Samoa, and would pay back any benefits that were missed during a funding gap. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would directly affect millions of low-income Americans who rely on SNAP and WIC benefits to buy groceries and feed their families.
It also impacts Puerto Rico and American Samoa residents using federal nutrition assistance. The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't been voted on yet and is still in the early stages of the legislative process. It was introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján, a Democrat from New Mexico.
CRS Official Summary
Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025This bill provides FY2026 appropriations for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue operating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and a related block grant program if there is a lapse in FY2026 appropriations for USDA.Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to USDA for any period in which legislation to provide FY2026 interim continuing appropriations or full-year appropriations for USDA has not been enacted. If such a lapse in appropriations occurs, the bill provides the appropriations that are necessary to continueproviding uninterrupted SNAP benefits,providing consolidated block grants to Puerto Rico and American Samoa for nutrition assistance programs, andcarrying out WIC without interruption.In addition, the bill provides appropriations to pay any benefits under these programs that were missed on or after September 30, 2025, and before this bill is enacted.The appropriations for these purposes are available until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of legislation to provide FY2026 appropriations for USDA (including continuing appropriations), or (2) September 30, 2026. The bill also requires USDA to use the funds provided by this bill to reimburse state agencies for costs that were incurred to carry out these programs during a lapse in appropriations, to the extent that the programs were carried out in accordance with federal law (including regulations) during the lapse.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.