WASHINGTON, D.C. — A recent analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that a new law passed by Republican congressmen as part of President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” could result in approximately 2.4 million Americans losing their food stamp benefits.
The CBO’s analysis, released at the request of Democratic congressional leaders, highlights changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. While the program previously had work requirements for some able-bodied adults, the new legislation expands these mandates to include parents with dependent children, older adults, veterans, homeless individuals, and people who were formerly in foster care. Native Americans are exempt from the new requirements.
The new work requirements come as the nation faces rising grocery prices and increased demand on food banks. According to the CBO, some food stamp recipients could also see a reduction in their monthly aid.
The “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which has been criticized for giving significant tax cuts to wealthy Americans, also includes new requirements for states. Starting in the 2028 fiscal year, states with payment errors of at least 6% in their food stamp program will be responsible for covering 5-15% of the program’s costs. The CBO predicts that this mandate may lead some states to reduce benefits.
The food stamp provisions are part of a broader package of budget cuts and new work requirements. The bill also imposes new work requirements on parents to qualify for Medicaid and is expected to result in at least 10 million Americans losing their health insurance. A previous study on the legislation found that private jet owners were among the biggest beneficiaries of the bill.
