In a proactive move to safeguard food aid for millions, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a Republican from Iowa, introduced legislation aimed at maintaining funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid looming threats of a government shutdown. Her proposal, known as the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025, seeks to ensure the continuation of the program’s funding until the Department of Agriculture receives appropriations through either standard budgetary procedures or interim solutions.

This legislative effort in the House mirrors a similar initiative in the Senate, spearheaded by Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri. The Senate version is reportedly under consideration for a vote by Senate Republicans, highlighting the bipartisan urgency of the issue. Joining Rep. Miller-Meeks in this push is co-sponsor Rep. Max Miller, a fellow Republican from Ohio, signaling a collective commitment to preventing disruption in food aid.

Amidst the impending shutdown, SNAP has become a focal point of debate. This vital program, funded by the federal government but administered at the state level with shared costs, provides essential assistance to those in need. Although October benefits have been secured, the Department of Agriculture has cautioned that should the shutdown persist, there may not be enough funds to cover full SNAP benefits for November.

SNAP benefits are funded by the federal government while states operate and share the cost of administering the program and distributing the benefits. Since funding is sent to states monthly, October benefits were not impacted but November payments could be at risk. The Department of Agriculture has warned there will be insufficient funds to pay full SNAP benefits in November if the shutdown continues.

“More than 262,000 Iowans, including over 100,000 children rely on SNAP to put food on the table. They cannot afford to be ‘leverage’ in the Democrats’ political games. That’s why I’m introducing legislation to ensure SNAP remains funded throughout the shutdown. Access to food is not negotiable,” Miller-Meeks said in a statement.

Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked a House-passed, GOP-crafted “clean” stopgap to fund the government through Nov. 21 as they demand that Republicans negotiate on health care issues like enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits that are expiring at the end of the year.

“In a state like Iowa, where many communities don’t have large food banks or pantries to fill the gap, any lapse in benefits would be catastrophic for families. My bill protects them from uncertainty and ensures that no child goes hungry because of the Schumer Shutdown,” Miller-Meeks said, in reference to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Democrats have responded to GOP concern about SNAP by pointing out that Republicans have sought in the past to slash funding to the food-aid program.

“They are now trying to reimagine themselves as the champions of federal workers as the champions of food programs and health care when all they have done is take an axe to all of that since they came into office?” said Rep. Katherine Clark (Mass.), the Democratic whip, on Wednesday.

It is unlikely the Miller-Meeks bill gets a stand-alone vote before any Senate action because Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has kept the House out of session as Republicans aim to pressure Senate Democrats into accepting a “clean” funding stopgap before negotiating on health care issues.

Johnson did, however, leave the door open to bringing the House back to vote on a bill to fund SNAP if the Senate passes such a bill.

“If the Senate passes the bill, then the House will address that,” Johnson said in a press conference on Thursday.

“You’re talking about, I think it’s 42 [million] or 43 million Americans rely upon that vital service, and it’s unconscionable that they would be held at bay and held as leverage on this,” Johnson added.