Senate Republicans’ plan to shift the burden of funding the nation’s largest nutrition program onto states as part of their megabill has hit a roadblock due to Senate rules.
Senate Parliamentarian’s Decision
The Senate parliamentarian ruled that this cost-sharing proposal violates the Byrd Rule, which restricts items in the reconciliation process. Consequently, it would require a 60-vote threshold to pass, as highlighted in an advisory from Senate Budget Committee Democrats.
Implications and Reactions
This development forces Republicans to reevaluate their approach after intense debates on reducing spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Following discussions with Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, Senate Agriculture Committee staff revised the text of the reconciliation bill.
Concerns and Alternatives
The original plan, proposed by House Republicans, faced opposition from states and within the GOP caucus. It aimed to make states share SNAP costs based on payment error rates.
In response, the Senate Agriculture Committee proposed a modified version. Without this provision, Republicans will struggle to finance their priorities and the $67 billion farm bill package within their tight deadline to deliver the megabill to President Trump by July 4.
Financial Impact and Outlook
While awaiting a final cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office, the committee anticipates substantial savings in agriculture spending, with the cost-sharing component playing a significant role in achieving these reductions.
Other rejected measures included changes to SNAP eligibility for non-permanent resident immigrants and the extension of a farm bill provision for federal farm payment program updates.
