Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

House Bill

H.R. 5168

119th Congress

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

In Committee

Introduced:Sep 8, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Pablo Hernández

D - PR

Cosponsors

20

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Summary

The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would transition Puerto Rico from its capped block grant nutrition program to full participation in SNAP (food stamps) like other US states. Puerto Rico would have 180 days to submit a plan of operation after designating a state agency, with up to 5 years to complete the transition.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act would transition Puerto Rico from its capped block grant nutrition program to full participation in SNAP (food stamps) like other US states. Puerto Rico would have 180 days to submit a plan of operation after designating a state agency, with up to 5 years to complete the transition.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Transitions Puerto Rico from block grant to full SNAP participation
Puerto Rico has 180 days to submit plan of operation after designating agency
Secretary has 180 days to approve or disapprove the plan
Up to 5-year transition period from block grant to SNAP
Bipartisan bill with Republican and Democratic cosponsors including Bacon and McGovern

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would benefit approximately 1.3 million Puerto Rico residents currently receiving nutrition assistance, who would gain access to full SNAP benefits rather than capped block grants. Puerto Rico's food-insecure population would see increased support. Federal nutrition spending in Puerto Rico would likely increase significantly.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

5168, 119th Congress (2025). "Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hr-5168