Controversial GOP Plan Threatens SNAP, Medicaid to Fund Tax Cuts
A contentious Republican proposal is moving through the House of Representatives, aiming to renew and expand the 2017 tax cuts while significantly overhauling safety net programs like SNAP and Medicaid. The plan, backed by President Donald Trump, has drawn criticism from Democrats who argue it shifts federal spending priorities away from those in need.
The legislation, introduced by Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, seeks to tighten eligibility requirements for these programs. States could gain more power to impose stricter rules, including asset tests and employment documentation for Medicaid. For SNAP, age limits for mandatory work requirements could rise from 50 to 64. These changes could affect more than 12 million Americans, including low-wage workers, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Early estimates suggest that billions could be reduced from spending on SNAP and Medicaid over the next decade. This offset would fund trillions in extended tax cuts. However, the bill faces opposition from House Democrats and some Senate Republicans, but its provisions could resurface in broader budget talks.
The proposed changes to SNAP and Medicaid could lead to millions of low-income Americans losing access to these vital benefits. As the bill progresses, lawmakers must consider the potential impact on those who rely on these programs for their daily needs.
