SNAP Funding Continuation Act of 2025: GOP Push to Protect Food Aid Amid Government Shutdown
Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks leads a Republican effort to safeguard SNAP benefits for millions of Americans as partisan deadlock endangers November food assistance.
Amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, a Republican congresswoman has introduced a new bill aimed at ensuring continued funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a vital lifeline for millions of Americans—particularly in rural and low-income communities.
According to The Hill, the bill—introduced by Republican Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa and titled the “SNAP Funding Continuation Act of 2025”—would allow SNAP benefits to continue being distributed until the Department of Agriculture receives funding through regular appropriations or temporary measures.
This legislation complements a similar bill in the Senate led by Republican Senator Josh Hawley (Missouri), with support from Representative Max Miller (Ohio).
SNAP Benefits at Risk as Partisan Divide Deepens During Government Shutdown
The federal government funds the SNAP program, while state governments administer it and share part of the operational costs. Although October benefits have already been distributed, the Department of Agriculture has warned that November payments could be at risk if the shutdown continues.
In a statement, Miller-Meeks emphasized that over 262,000 Iowans, including more than 100,000 children, rely on SNAP for food, declaring that “providing food is non-negotiable.” She noted that many Iowa communities lack large food banks, meaning any disruption in benefits would be disastrous for families.
The Hill also reported that partisan disagreements in Congress are blocking a temporary funding resolution. Senate Democrats have rejected a “clean” funding bill passed by the House, demanding the inclusion of provisions related to healthcare—such as extending tax credits for the Affordable Care Act, which are set to expire at the end of the year.
Democrats Criticize GOP Over SNAP Bill as Millions Rely on Food Aid
Democratic Representative Katherine Clark of Massachusetts criticized Republican efforts, arguing that Republicans are “trying to rebrand themselves as defenders of food and healthcare programs” after previously seeking to cut them.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has kept the chamber out of session to pressure Democrats but left open the possibility of a new vote on the SNAP bill if the Senate passes it. Johnson stated that around 43 million Americans depend on this essential service, and it is “unthinkable that they should be used as bargaining chips in political disputes.”
The bill is viewed as an urgent humanitarian measure amid partisan gridlock that threatens food security for millions of American families and could have a decisive impact on the stability of vulnerable communities if enacted.
