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🔥 Senate GOP Rallies Trump's Bill, but Food Stamps Aren't Spared 🔥
LISA MASCARO, AP News
WASHINGTON - Friday saw the Senate Republicans rallying President Donald Trump's ambitious bill, packed with tax cuts, spending upgrades in some areas, and some hefty spending cuts, notably food stamps. However, it ain't a walk in the park yet, with the votes still miles away before the expected weekend ones.
The controversial bill, acting as a testament to Trump’s political stance, now sports a fresh coat of paint, courtesy of last-minute tweaks. Among these changes, food stamps are under the gun, taking a significant hit despite opposition.
A Peek at the Bill's Nitty-Gritty
This revamped bill seeks to establish the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as a permanent fixture, a golden ticket for Senate Republicans. The bill also boosts funding for border security, defense, and energy production, keeping Trump's second-term goals alive.
But, like any good ol' wolf in sheep's clothing, this bill hides its wolfishness in its cuts to healthcare and nutrition programs. Food stamps, affectionately known as SNAP, is the prime target of these cuts.
The Bite of the Food Stamp Cuts
The Senate GOP plan, complete with a cost-share model, shifts some of the financial obligation for SNAP benefits from the federal government onto states.
- States with the highest payment error rates might have to shoulder a staggering 15% of SNAP benefits costs, a decrease from the House plan suggestin' a 25% cost-share. States with buffed up performance might escape any new financial obligations or witness reductions in their existing costs.
- More pain comin' up: all states face an increased demand to cover 75% of administrative costs for the program, way up from the current 50%. This translates into a significant monetary burden for state governments.
The Unhappy Campers
These proposed cuts and cost-shifts ain't savin' no friendships, particularly among Republican senators from red states. These folks ain't too pleased about the new financial responsibilities they'll be saddled with.
The Political Tug-O'-War
The Senate managed to edge ahead after an intense late-night vote, with two Republicans voicein' dissent and every Democrat standin' against it. The measure remains tangled in a tight agenda, with the GOP aimin' to pass it by the July 4 deadline.
The bill is sailing forth largely on the power of reconciliation, a tactic that allows Republicans to bypass Democratic opposition due to their Senate majority. The White House and Senate leadership stand united in support of the bill, viewin' it as a crucial component in advancin' Trump’s policy agenda, a blend of tax relief, spending cuts, and increased funding for key priorities. [1][2][3]
In summary, the revised Senate Republican bill, a brainchild of President Trump, offers tax cuts and spending increases in sensitive areas, though these perks come at the cost of deep cuts to programs like food stamps, as well as increased financial responsibility for states [1][2][3].
- Despite opposition, food stamps face significant cuts under the revamped Senate Republican bill, a move seen as a reflection of President Trump's political stance and a testament to his policy-and-legislation agenda.
- The proposed cuts to food stamps, also known as SNAP, will shift financial obligations from the federal government onto states, with states with higher payment error rates potentially shoulder a 15% cost-share of SNAP benefits, compared to the House plan's suggested 25%.
