Bulwark Takes Murkowski’s Absurd Plan Could Leave Millions Hungry
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Jul 2, 2025 Arthur Delaney, a HuffPost reporter focused on Capitol Hill policy, delves into the controversial changes being proposed for SNAP, the lifeline for millions of Americans. He reveals how a strategic formula aimed at securing Senator Lisa Murkowski's vote might lead to reduced benefits and increased costs for states. The discussion highlights the complexities of legislative negotiations tailored for Alaska, the problematic incentives linked to SNAP error rates, and the broader implications for food security amid political maneuvering. Delaney's insights shed light on the risks these changes pose to vulnerable populations.
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SNAP's Role and Funding
- SNAP is the main federal program fighting hunger in the U.S. by providing food benefits to about 20 million households.
- The federal government fully funds the benefits while states administer eligibility and enrollment.
Senate's Cost-Sharing Incentive
- The Senate proposal requires states with high SNAP error rates to pay a share of SNAP costs, creating an incentive to reduce enrollment.
- This contrasts with the House plan that made all states share costs, but the Senate proposal limits it to certain states.
Murkowski's SNAP Exemption
- To secure Senator Murkowski's vote, the bill delayed cost-sharing for states with very high SNAP error rates using a complex formula.
- This complex exemption benefited Alaska but also unintentionally favored other states with similarly high error rates.