Congress moves to protect food stamps during shutdowns
H.R. 2016 — Feed Our Families Act of 2025 · Filed by Emilia Sykes (D-OH) · 44 cosponsors · Introduced Mar 10, 2025 · Referred to committee
Your members of Congress
Enter a ZIP to see where your representative and both senators stood on this bill.
Looked up on this device — your ZIP is never stored on our servers.
What it does
This bill automatically appropriates federal funds to continue SNAP (food stamps) for the first 90 days of any government shutdown, ensuring that food assistance does not lapse even if Congress fails to pass a budget. The money comes from the general Treasury and is held in reserve until needed.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole function is to ensure SNAP benefits continue uninterrupted during the first 90 days of a government shutdown by pre-appropriating funds. It is a straightforward emergency-continuity measure with no secondary provisions.
What the text implies
- The 90-day limit means SNAP would still lapse if a shutdown extends beyond three months, creating a cliff-edge risk for extended shutdowns.
- The bill does not address other nutrition programs (WIC, child nutrition, senior meals) that would still lapse, creating unequal protection across the safety net.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
Low-income households receiving SNAP would retain food assistance during government shutdowns, eliminating a period of acute hardship. The bill protects a vulnerable population from sudden loss of a critical safety-net benefit.