House Republicans are proposing the “America Works Act of 2025,” set to drastically increase work requirements for SNAP recipients, leaving many on edge about the potential impact this will have on poverty and federal welfare program costs.
At a Glance
- House Republicans propose “America Works Act of 2025” increasing work requirements for SNAP recipients.
- Bill requires able-bodied, childless SNAP recipients aged 18-65 to work or study for at least 20 hours weekly.
- Exemptions possible for high-unemployment areas; fiscal reform through budget reconciliation process.
- Proposal part of wider budget cuts targeting Medicaid and SNAP, aiming for $1.5 trillion in spending reductions.
Proposal Details
The “America Works Act of 2025” proposed by Rep. Dusty Johnson is setting new mandates requiring able-bodied, childless SNAP recipients aged 18 to 65 to perform 20 hours of work or work-related education. The act seeks to make work a stepping stone out of poverty while allowing the USDA to manage exemptions for counties with over 10% unemployment. This measure aligns with Republican goals to slash costs and modernize welfare programs.
This proposal comes as House Republicans target Medicaid and SNAP for budget reductions, with a plan for $1.5 trillion in spending cuts. It includes $880 billion from Medicaid and $230 billion from SNAP, indicating a shift towards requiring work as a standard for able bodied recipients within essential federal aid programs.
'Escape poverty': Millions more food stamp recipients required to work under new House GOP proposal https://t.co/g1v7nS09V1
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 24, 2025
Navigating the Legislative Terrain
The budget reconciliation process could play a key role, allowing House Republicans to pass this significant fiscal policy without bipartisan support. This move, however, has prompted warnings from Democrats, who argue these budget cuts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including potential harm to rural hospitals and nursing homes.
“Hospitals will close, including in rural America and urban America and the heartland of America,” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York warned during a recent speech on the House floor. “Nursing homes will be shut down, and everyday Americans, children, seniors, those who are suffering with disabilities, will be hurt.” – House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Supporters like Speaker Mike Johnson highlight work’s role in financial independence and its benefits for individual morale. Yet, there are concerns about possible fallout if Medicaid enrollees face difficulty balancing new work requirements with existing responsibilities.
Republican Stance and Support
Rep. Dusty Johnson stressed the significance of integrating work as fundamental to escaping poverty. He believes in refining federal welfare programs to ensure they function as opportunities for economic progress. “Able-bodied people who can work should work if we want to continue to have our welfare programs be pathways out of poverty… There is no reliable path out of poverty that doesn’t have work, training and education at its core.” – Rep. Dusty Johnson.
As the fiscal plans unfold, House Republicans advocate for a fairer and more efficient welfare system where programs like SNAP pave the way to self-sufficiency. By overhauling requirements and accountability measures, they aim to trim federal spending while promoting economic independence among beneficiaries.
