Miller-Meeks Introduces Legislation to Keep SNAP Funded During Government Shutdown

IOWA — Today, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) introduced the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025, legislation to ensure uninterrupted benefits for Iowans and Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during a government shutdown.

The bill appropriates the necessary funds for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue issuing SNAP benefits during any lapse in appropriations, ensuring that no eligible recipient faces disruption due to political gridlock in Washington.

“More than 262,000 Iowans, including 100,000 children, rely on SNAP to put food on the table,” said Miller-Meeks. “Iowans cannot afford to be used as leverage in Washington’s political games. This bill ensures families continue to receive the nutrition support they depend on, no matter what happens in Congress.”

The legislation would provide the Secretary of Agriculture with access to emergency funds to maintain SNAP operations throughout any government shutdown, as well as retroactive authority to restore missed benefits in the event of a lapse.

Miller-Meeks emphasized that while she continues to call for the government to reopen, protecting essential programs like SNAP must remain a top priority for rural and working families.

“Iowa doesn’t have an abundance of food banks and pantries to absorb a major lapse in SNAP,” Miller-Meeks continued. “Any delay would be catastrophic for thousands of families already struggling with the cost of living. This bill provides the certainty they deserve while Congress works to resolve the shutdown.”

Background

• 262,000 Iowans, including 100,000 children, rely on SNAP benefits each month.
• SNAP operations typically remain funded for only 30 days following a lapse in appropriations.
• The Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025 ensures continuous benefit delivery by granting USDA the authority to appropriate necessary funds during any shutdown period.
• The bill also includes retroactive benefits to cover any missed payments caused by the Schumer Shutdown.

The introduction of this legislation builds on Congresswoman Miller-Meeks’ broader efforts to mitigate the harm of the ongoing government shutdown, including her support for the Pay Our Troops Act and the Eliminate Shutdowns Act, which would prevent future shutdowns from occurring altogether.

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