Congress moves to protect food stamps during shutdowns

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.
• Automatic appropriation during shutdown may reduce political pressure on Congress to pass timely budgets, potentially normalizing shutdown-as-negotiating-tactic.

Section numbers refer to the bill text the analysis read — linked under Primary records below.

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.

Named in the bill

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, U.S. Treasury, House Committee on Appropriations

Where it stands

45 cosponsors: 45 Democrats.

• Mar 10, 2025 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Mar 10, 2025 — Referred to House Committee on Appropriations · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.