HR 5860
SNAP Back act.
SNAP Back Act.
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Bill overview
The SNAP Back Act aims to ensure that funds appropriated for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are immediately released and available to recipients. It mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture obligate and make these funds available as soon as the bill is enacted, preventing any delays or withholdings. The bill also focuses on maintaining continuous access to benefits and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of EBT systems.
Key provisions
- Requires immediate release of funds for SNAP and WIC.
- Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to obligate and make funds available upon enactment.
- Prohibits withholding or delaying of funds unless explicitly authorized by law.
- Ensures continued enrollment and benefit access for eligible individuals.
- Guarantees uninterrupted operation of EBT systems and timely benefit disbursement.
- Provides reimbursement to states or tribes that cover funding lapses with emergency appropriations.
- Prevents enrollment freezes or restrictions on participation.
- Requires continued acceptance and processing of SNAP and WIC applications.
Who is affected
- Low-income individuals and families
- SNAP recipients
- WIC recipients
- State and Tribal agencies administering SNAP and WIC
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture
Notable changes
- Addresses potential funding delays and disruptions to SNAP and WIC programs.
Sponsors
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 5860
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To require the immediate release of funds appropriated for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) and the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC), and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the SNAP BACK Act.
In fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, for any period during which interim continuing appropriations or full-year appropriations for that fiscal year have not been enacted for the Department of Agriculture, there are appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture, such sums as are necessary to provide uninterrupted benefits under—
the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C 2011 et seq.); and
the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children established by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786).
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, immediately upon enactment of this Act, obligate and make available all funds appropriated by Congress for—
the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and
the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children.
No officer or employee of the executive branch, including the Office of Management and Budget, or U.S. Department of Agriculture may withhold, delay, or otherwise impede the release or obligation of such funds for any reason not explicitly authorized by statute.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that, all State agencies administering SNAP or WIC continue to accept, process, and approve applications for individuals and households that meet the statutory eligibility requirements for such programs.
Individuals determined eligible under paragraph (1) shall receive benefits as soon as funds are available, and no later than five days after the Secretary obligates the funds made available under subsection (a).
No Federal or State official may institute an enrollment freeze, waiting list, or other restriction on participation in SNAP or WIC due to any delay or withholding of funds.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure the uninterrupted operation and functionality of all Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) systems used to distribute SNAP and WIC benefits, including during any lapse in appropriations or due to an administrative delay.
State agencies administering SNAP or WIC shall, upon receipt of Federal funds, immediately load benefits onto EBT cards for eligible households without additional delay.
No Federal or State agency may suspend, deactivate, or otherwise restrict the use of EBT cards due to any temporary funding delay.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall reimburse any State of federally recognized American Indian Tribe that makes an emergency appropriation of State or tribal funds to cover a lapse in Federal funding for these programs up to the amount expended by the State or tribe.