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Legislative bills

Senators Warner and Kaine Introduce Legislation to Protect Nutrition Assistance for Virginia Families

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As President Trump withholds existing funding for vital nutrition programs, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) have joined their colleagues in introducing the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) funded during the GOP's government shutdown. The bill ensures SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted for the remainder of this fiscal year and requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP benefits during a shutdown.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine have introduced the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 to protect nutrition assistance for Virginia families during the government shutdown.
  • The bill ensures SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted for the remainder of this fiscal year and requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP benefits during a shutdown.
  • In Virginia, 827,800 people rely on SNAP, with more than two-thirds living in families with children.
  • The average household receives $232 in benefits, providing a critical lifeline to help families put food on the table.
  • The legislation also requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP benefits during a shutdown.
  • Sen. Warner and Sen. Kaine have opposed President Trump's efforts to slash nutrition assistance, including a $186 billion cut to SNAP funding to pay for tax breaks for billionaires.
  • The cut is expected to affect 78,000 Virginians, who will lose their SNAP benefits.

Statistics:

  • 827,800 people in Virginia rely on SNAP, with more than two-thirds living in families with children.
  • The average household receives $232 in SNAP benefits.
  • The Trump administration has withheld existing funding for vital nutrition programs, forcing families to choose between paying their bills and going hungry.

Sources:

  • [1] Warner, Mark R. "Sens. Warner, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Protect Nutrition Assistance for Virginia Families." Warner.senate.gov, 2023.

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