SNAP BACK Act.
Sponsored By: Representative Stansbury
Introduced
Summary
Guarantee uninterrupted SNAP and WIC benefits by creating automatic interim funding when Congress has not enacted appropriations. The bill would require immediate obligation of funds, keep Electronic Benefit Transfer systems running, and stop states from freezing enrollment.
Show full summary
- Families and households: Low-income people would keep receiving SNAP and WIC during funding gaps, and eligible individuals must get benefits no later than five days after funds are obligated.
- State agencies: States would be required to continue accepting and approving applications and to load benefits onto EBT cards immediately when federal funds arrive.
- EBT operations: All Electronic Benefit Transfer systems must keep operating during lapses and card use cannot be suspended for temporary funding delays.
- Tribes and states that front funds: The Secretary of Agriculture must reimburse states or federally recognized tribes for emergency payments they made to cover a lapse, up to the amount spent.
- Federal administration: The bill would bar executive branch officials, including Office of Management and Budget and USDA staff, from withholding or delaying these funds unless a statute explicitly allows it.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
SNAP and WIC funded during gaps
If enacted, starting in fiscal year 2026 the government would automatically provide whatever money is needed to keep SNAP and WIC going when USDA lacks a budget or a continuing resolution. During those gaps, benefits would continue without interruption. Upon enactment, the Secretary of Agriculture would also have to immediately obligate and make available all funds Congress has already approved for SNAP and WIC.
SNAP/WIC EBT stays on; no freezes
If enacted, EBT systems for SNAP and WIC would have to keep working, even during funding lapses or delays. States would keep taking and processing applications, and must load benefits on EBT cards as soon as money arrives. If you are found eligible, you would get benefits as soon as funds are available and no later than five days after the Secretary obligates the funds. Officials could not freeze enrollment, add waiting lists, block EBT use, or hold back funds because of a funding delay unless Congress explicitly allows it.
USDA would repay states and tribes
If enacted, USDA would reimburse a State or federally recognized Tribe that uses its own money to keep SNAP or WIC running during a federal funding lapse. Repayment would cover up to the amount they spent. Reimbursement would only apply when the State or Tribe advanced funds to maintain benefits during the federal gap.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Stansbury
NM • D
Cosponsors
Leger Fernandez
NM • D
Sponsored 10/28/2025
Vasquez
NM • D
Sponsored 10/28/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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