By Jamie Martin
For years, the Farm Bill’s focus has shifted toward food assistance, with 80% of its spending going to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Meanwhile, support for production agriculture has diminished.
To address this imbalance, House Republicans introduced the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a major reform that refocuses the Farm Bill on farming and food security.
SNAP, originally meant to promote self-sufficiency, has seen rising error rates and weakened work requirements. Currently, only 16% of able-bodied adults without dependents on SNAP meet the 20-hour weekly work standard. The national SNAP error rate now exceeds 11%, costing taxpayers over $10 billion each year.
Since 2001, SNAP spending has grown 250% faster than the farm safety net. Farmers, meanwhile, are battling high input costs, unstable prices, and severe weather.
The new bill strengthens the farm safety net and improves disaster coverage through long-overdue investments in the Federal Crop Insurance Program.
The act also enhances USDA’s trade promotion efforts, helping farmers access new global markets. To restore program integrity, it tightens SNAP work rules, closes loopholes, and ensures only lawful residents can access benefits. It also introduces a cost-share model, encouraging states to reduce waste and fraud.
One legislator stated, “That’s why we seized this historic opportunity to strengthen our food supply by modernizing farm programs while restoring fiscal accountability and the dignity of work through responsible SNAP incentives.”
This act aims to support both rural producers and those in need, ensuring a stronger future for America’s food systems while respecting taxpayer dollars.
Categories: National