Today, Representative Don Bacon from Nebraska’s 2nd District cast a supportive vote for the House Agriculture Committee’s Reconciliation markup. This bill includes provisions aimed at reforming the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) to restore its intended integrity. The proposed changes focus on reinforcing work requirements, reducing waste, and implementing accountability measures to control costs and limit executive and state overreach.
“We need to find the waste and eliminate it so we can strengthen the program for the vulnerable,” stated Rep. Bacon.
Since 2019, SNAP enrollment has risen by 17%, while program costs have surged by 83%. States are responsible for administering SNAP and have collectively made nearly $13 billion in erroneous payments. The national error rate has increased to 11.68 percent since 2019. Additionally, some states have not enforced work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents; currently, 40% of these individuals are exempt from such requirements due to waivers.
“Clearly this isn’t sustainable for American Taxpayers,” said Rep. Bacon. “We are delivering on our promise to reign in waste and fraud.”
Starting in 2028, each state will be required to bear a portion of costs based on their error rates.
“Our team successfully negotiated with committee leadership to lower the burden of the state’s share,” added Rep. Bacon. “Nebraska was looking into shelling out an additional $83 million and we got that lowered to about $30 million. Plus, if Nebraska and other states lower their error rates, they will lower their percentage of share cost.”
