Lawmakers push new bill to keep SNAP payments flowing through November

With the government shutdown threatening to interrupt critical programs, millions of Americans are left wondering: Will my SNAP benefits arrive next month? Is help on the way, or will politics leave my pantry bare?

As grocery prices remain high, the uncertainty is creating real worry among families and older adults who depend on this vital program. But a new proposal in Congress is offering some hope that relief may soon be on the way.

What’s happening with SNAP right now​

Every year, Congress must approve funding for SNAP, which is managed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). If lawmakers can’t agree on a budget or at least a temporary fix called a “continuing resolution,” the USDA can’t send out new SNAP payments once its current funds run dry. That’s a scary prospect for the 42 million Americans who count on these benefits, especially as grocery prices keep climbing.

This year, a government shutdown has thrown everything into uncertainty. Without new funding, SNAP payments could be delayed or even stopped, leaving millions in the lurch. But there’s a glimmer of hope: a new bill is gaining traction in the Senate, and it could keep SNAP funded even if Congress can’t get its act together.

What you need to know about the Keep SNAP Funded Act​

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican, has introduced the Keep SNAP Funded Act to make sure SNAP benefits keep flowing, even during a government shutdown. The bill would:

• Allow the USDA to continue paying SNAP benefits if Congress hasn’t passed a new budget or temporary funding bill.
• Cover any missed payments dating back to September 30, 2025.
• Stay in effect until Congress approves full or temporary funding for the 2026 fiscal year.

This isn’t just a one-party effort. Eleven Republican senators and one Democrat, Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, have signed on as co-sponsors. That’s a rare show of bipartisanship in today’s divided Congress, and it shows just how important SNAP is to Americans across the country.

Source: Anna Liss-Roy / The Washington Post

Also read: Relief for seniors: vital meal funding restored after weeks of uncertainty

Why this bill matters​

For many older adults, SNAP is a lifeline. It helps cover the cost of groceries, making it possible to eat healthy meals and stretch Social Security or retirement income a little further. If benefits are delayed, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a crisis.

Senator Hawley points out that SNAP costs only about a tenth of the annual defense budget and that helping those in need is both affordable and necessary.

Senator Welch, the lone Democrat co-sponsoring the bill, echoed those concerns: “A lapse in federal nutrition assistance would hurt more than 41 million Americans—from Vermont to Missouri, and beyond. The Keep SNAP Funded Act is a common sense, bipartisan bill.”

Also read: Big changes are coming to Social Security work rules in 2026—could they affect your benefits?

What lawmakers are saying​

Senator Hawley: “Congress can still pass legislation during a shutdown, and it should pass my bill to keep SNAP benefits going.”

Senator Moreno (R-Ohio): “I’m proud to team up with my Republican colleagues to protect SNAP since Democrats won’t.”

Senator Welch (D-Vermont): “If the Trump Administration refuses to use the money it has to fund the program during this shutdown, Congress must step in.”

Despite ongoing political disagreements, momentum appears to be building to protect the program’s funding.

What happens next​

The Keep SNAP Funded Act has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. That’s the first step in a long legislative journey. If the committee approves the bill, it will move to the full Senate for a vote. From there, it would need to pass the House of Representatives and be signed by the President.

In the meantime, the USDA is working with whatever funds it has left. If Congress doesn’t act soon, those funds could run out, and SNAP payments could be delayed or halted.

Read next:

• Major SNAP updates could affect your benefits—here’s what’s changing this fall
• Could your SSDI benefits be affected? What’s being discussed and what to know
• DoorDash launches massive effort helping millions hit by SNAP benefit freeze

Key Takeaways

• A bill to ensure ongoing funding for the SNAP program during government shutdowns has gained support from 11 Republican senators and one Democrat in the US Senate.
• The Keep SNAP Funded Act, put forward by Senator Josh Hawley, would allow the USDA to keep issuing food benefits even if Congress hasn't approved new funding or a temporary budget.
• If passed, the bill would cover missed SNAP payments from 30 September 2025 and stay in effect until Congress passes new funding for the 2026 financial year.
• The proposal is being described as a common-sense, bipartisan solution to protect food assistance for more than 41 million Americans and is now with the Senate appropriations committee for consideration.

Are you worried about your SNAP benefits? Have you experienced delays or problems in the past? Do you have tips for stretching your food budget or finding help in your community?