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Legislative bills

Trump Administration's SNAP Funding Decision Sparks Congressional Action

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As millions of Americans struggle to make ends meet, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and her colleagues are working to ensure that families in need receive the support they deserve. The Trump administration's decision to withhold SNAP benefits has sparked action in Congress, with lawmakers pushing to pass the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025. This legislation would prevent the administration from illegally withholding available funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 906,414 Washingtonians are enrolled in SNAP, making up 11% of the state's population, with more than 53% of recipients in families with children and 38% in families with members who are older adults or are disabled.
  • The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 would require the USDA to release billions of dollars in available funds to ensure SNAP and WIC benefits continue uninterrupted for the remainder of the fiscal year.
  • The legislation also requires the federal government to reimburse states for covering SNAP benefits during a shutdown.
  • According to the Washington State Standard, food banks across Washington state are already pressed to meet the growing demand for food assistance due to draconian cuts in President Donald Trump's budget bill.
  • The National Grocers Association estimates that every dollar spent on SNAP generates up to $1.50 in economic activity during economic downturns, with SNAP contributing $4.6 billion in sales, nearly 24,000 direct jobs, $962 million in direct wages, and over $1 billion in total taxes in Washington state.
  • The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 has been introduced by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and is co-sponsored by Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM).
  • A bill text is available online and a letter was sent last week by 46 senators to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins calling on the USDA to release the contingency funding.

Statistics:

  • 906,414 Washingtonians are enrolled in SNAP as of April 2025.
  • SNAP recipients in Washington make up 11% of the state's population.
  • 53% of SNAP recipients in Washington are in families with children.
  • 38% of SNAP recipients in Washington are in families with members who are older adults or are disabled.
  • 206,980 Washingtonians received WIC last year, including 149,410 infants and children and 57,570 women.
  • The National Grocers Association estimates that every dollar spent on SNAP generates up to $1.50 in economic activity during economic downturns.
  • SNAP contributes $4.6 billion in sales, nearly 24,000 direct jobs, $962 million in direct wages, and over $1 billion in total taxes in Washington state.

Sources:

  • Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) - Press Release
  • Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) - Press Release
  • Washington State Standard - "Food banks strained to meet growing demand for food assistance"
  • National Grocers Association - Report on SNAP's economic impact
  • Letter from 46 senators to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins (Available online)

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