WASHINGTON—The House Committee on Agriculture on May 12 released a proposed bill intending to cut more than $230 billion of public spending over 10 years, including major cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The committee’s draft legislation would make eligibility requirements stricter and require states to share a greater burden of the cost. The committee estimated savings of $290 billion from the legislation.
SNAP, colloquially known as food stamps, is a federal program in partnership with states that subsidizes the purchase of groceries by low-income families and individuals, with the goal of ensuring a nutritious diet for low-income Americans.
Republicans have long criticized the program—arguing that it disincentivizes people from seeking higher-income employment, which might end their eligibility—and have sought to alter it by imposing “work requirements,” among other reforms....
