House GOP Proposes Restrictions on SNAP Benefits for Non-Citizens

In a bold move to safeguard taxpayer funds, House Republicans are pushing forward a plan to limit most non-citizens from accessing federally funded benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This initiative is part of President Donald Trump’s comprehensive legislative package, often referred to as “one big, beautiful bill.”

The House Agriculture Committee is set to incorporate a key provision in their upcoming draft bill that would confine SNAP benefits to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. This follows a direct appeal from Republican Representative Mary Miller of Illinois, who has been a vocal advocate for tightening eligibility criteria to exclude certain non-citizens from the program.

Representative Miller’s Stance on SNAP Benefits

Rep. Miller expressed her concerns to the Daily Caller News Foundation, stating, “Taxpayer-funded benefits like SNAP are intended for Americans in need, not foreigners who break the law to enter this country.” She highlighted her efforts to save taxpayers up to $8 billion over the next decade by reversing what she described as “unlawful handouts” provided to illegal aliens under previous administrations. Miller’s proposal is seen as a significant step in advancing President Trump’s agenda and ensuring that American resources are used to help American citizens first and foremost.

Current Eligibility and Proposed Changes

Although federal law already bars migrants without legal status from receiving SNAP benefits, exceptions exist for certain groups such as refugees and asylum seekers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP, allows these groups to participate in the program. With the new proposal, House Republicans aim to tighten these exceptions, aligning with broader fiscal responsibility measures.

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The push for reform comes as part of a larger effort by the House Agriculture Committee to trim at least $230 billion from programs under its purview over the next decade. This aligns with President Trump’s broader fiscal strategy, which includes significant tax reforms and spending adjustments.

Broader Impacts on Federal Spending

The proposed changes to SNAP are part of a wider Republican strategy to reduce federal spending on entitlement programs. For instance, the House Energy and Commerce Committee is also proposing measures to cut federal Medicaid payments to states like New York and California if they continue to provide healthcare coverage to illegal migrants. Under the new proposal, the federal contribution to Medicaid expansion in these states would be reduced from 90% to 80%.

These legislative efforts are bolstered by an executive order issued by President Trump in February, which prohibits illegal migrants from accessing taxpayer-funded benefits. This order underscores the administration’s commitment to prioritizing American citizens and lawful residents in the distribution of government aid.

As these legislative changes are debated and refined, they represent a significant shift in how the United States manages its welfare programs, aiming to ensure that benefits are reserved for those legally entitled to them and that taxpayer money is spent judiciously.