Senate Democrats Introduce Legislation to Fund SNAP and WIC, Prevent Food Assistance Cuts

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Senate Democrats have introduced legislation aimed at preventing the pending Nov. 1 stop for federal food assistance, specifically funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The legislation, titled the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025, is co-sponsored by all Senate Democrats and seeks to address the impact of the ongoing federal shutdown on food assistance programs. The bill requires the USDA to release funds for SNAP and WIC and guarantees reimbursement to states for covering SNAP benefits during a shutdown.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 was introduced by U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) on Oct. 29, 2025, alongside Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Amy Klobuchar.
  • The legislation aims to prevent the Nov. 1 stop for federal food assistance, including SNAP and WIC, by requiring the USDA to release funds for these programs.
  • New Mexico, with its high rate of SNAP participation, would be significantly impacted by the potential cuts, with approximately 460,000 recipients (over 21% of the population).
  • Senate Democrats are calling out the Trump administration for threatening a program on which 42 million U.S. residents rely for food.
  • Luján described Speaker Mike Johnson's statement on SNAP funding as "bulls***" and invoked former New Mexico Gov. Bruce King's advice on finding solutions.
  • New Mexico's three U.S. House of Representatives members introduced a companion bill, the SNAP BACK Act, which would require the immediate release of funds for SNAP and WIC and prohibit withholding funds for political or administrative reasons.
  • The bill is not likely to pass, but it is hoped will put continued bipartisan pressure on both sides of the aisle to get something done.
  • New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez is among those filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration over SNAP benefits, and the state is planning to provide additional funding to food banks.

Statistics:

  • 42 million U.S. residents rely on SNAP for food assistance.
  • New Mexico has the highest rate of SNAP participation, with approximately 460,000 recipients (over 21% of the population).
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to withhold funding for SNAP starting Nov. 1 due to the federal shutdown.

Sources:

  • [https://www.lujan.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ELT25975.pdf]
  • [https://sourcenm.com/2025/10/15/nm-snap-benefits-for-november-threatened-due-to-shutdown-hca-secretary-says/]
  • [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26196921-fy2026-usda-lapse-plan-sept30/]
  • [https://www.hca.nm.gov/]
  • [https://files.constantcontact.com/77f69508901/b3a61ae0-e842-46fe-ad1e-9268294a2123.pdf?rdr=true]
  • [https://sourcenm.com/2025/10/28/repub/democratic-ags-governors-sue-trump-over-snap-benefits-as-shutdown-hits-day-28/]
  • [https://thehill.com/people/mike-johnson/]
  • [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5575299-usda-snap-shutdown-funds/]
  • [https://sourcenm.com/2025/10/29/nms-biggest-farmers-market-manager-says-snap-cuts-will-be-devastating/]
  • [https://sourcenm.com/2025/10/29/nms-biggest-farmers-market-manager-says-snap-cuts-will-be-devastating/embed/#?secret=NapvTjbFmw#?secret=BBGiuonxGo]