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Legislative bills

Senate Democrats Introduce Legislation to Prevent SNAP and WIC Fund Cuts

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus in introducing the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025, which aims to prevent the Trump administration from withholding emergency funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The legislation comes as almost one million Washingtonians rely on SNAP to fill their pantries, with the administration's delay in releasing funds putting families in need at risk. Despite having billions of dollars ready to pay for SNAP, the Trump administration continues to play politics, allowing American families and children to go hungry. The bill directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release billions of dollars in available funds to ensure SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 aims to prevent the Trump administration from withholding emergency funds for SNAP and WIC, despite having billions of dollars ready to pay for these programs.
  • Almost one million Washingtonians rely on SNAP to fill their pantries, with over 53% of SNAP recipients in families with children and over 38% in families with members who are older adults or are disabled.
  • The legislation requires the USDA to immediately release billions of dollars in available funds to ensure SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted for the remainder of the fiscal year.
  • The bill also requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP benefits during a shutdown, and directs the USDA to utilize all available legal authorities to disburse contingency funding to state agencies.
  • As of April 2025, 11% of Washington's population is enrolled in SNAP, and over 206,980 Washingtonians received WIC last year, including 149,410 infants and children.
  • Congressional Republicans have exacerbated the food security crisis, with President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill changing work requirements for Americans to receive SNAP benefits, which is estimated to kick off food assistance in Washington state.
  • The bill aims to put the well-being of American families ahead of politics and negotiate to fund SNAP and make healthcare more affordable.

Statistics:

  • As of April 2025, 11% of Washington's population is enrolled in SNAP.
  • Over 206,980 Washingtonians received WIC last year, including 149,410 infants and children and 57,570 women.
  • Every dollar spent on SNAP generates up to $1.50 in economic activity during economic downturns.
  • In Washington state, SNAP contributes $4.6 billion in sales, nearly 24,000 direct jobs, $962 million in direct wages, and over $1 billion in total taxes.

Sources:

  • "Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025" (full bill text available)
  • "U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell joins Democrats in introducing Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025" (Contify.com)
  • "Letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins" (signed by 46 Senators)
  • "Washington State Standard" (food banks across Washington state meeting the growing demand for food assistance)
  • "One Big Beautiful Bill" (Presidential Budget Bill passed over the summer)
  • "Economic impact of SNAP" (every dollar spent generates up to $1.50 in economic activity)
  • "SNAP contributions to Washington state economy" ($4.6 billion in sales, nearly 24,000 direct jobs, $962 million in direct wages, and over $1 billion in total taxes)

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