The House GOP is mounting yet another effort to shred the social safety net. This time, the target is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), America’s first line of defense against hunger.

As part of reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which uses 80% of its funding for SNAP, the House Agriculture Committee plans to vote May 23 on a plan that would, over time, effectively cut $30 billion in SNAP benefits. As many as 17 million children would be affected in a typical month, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports.

The proposed cuts are unconscionable—especially when food insecurity remains high for many families and individuals due to the loss of emergency SNAP benefits, free school meals for all, and high food prices.

Meanwhile, the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program made its last authorized payment in April. SRS helps support schools, roads, and other municipal services in more than 700 rural counties. Legislation to renew the program, the Secure Rural Schools Act of 2023 (S. 2581/H.R. 5030), has advanced in the Senate but not the House.

Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the need to protect Dreamers and pass the Dream Act. NEA urged Congress to provide a permanent solution and called on President Biden to use his authority to provide immediate relief.

Tell Congress what you think!

In solidarity,