A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Department of Agriculture should use its contingency funds and interchange authority to finance the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 481

119th Congress

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Department of Agriculture should use its contingency funds and interchange authority to finance the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

In Committee

Introduced:Nov 3, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Jeff Merkley

D - OR

Cosponsors

45

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Summary

This resolution urges the Trump administration to use USDA contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits, arguing the administration is legally obligated to fund the program. It notes that approximately 42 million people rely on SNAP, including 16 million children and 8 million seniors.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution urges the Trump administration to use USDA contingency funds to continue SNAP benefits, arguing the administration is legally obligated to fund the program. It notes that approximately 42 million people rely on SNAP, including 16 million children and 8 million seniors.

Last updated: 12/28/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the Trump Administration is legally obligated to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the use of the contingency fund, the Administration has the legal authority and the funds to finance SNAP through November 2025, exercising this power is extremely important for the health and wellness of families experiencing hunger, and the Administration should immediately exercise this authority. </p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Argues Trump administration has legal obligation to fund SNAP using contingency funds
Notes $4.5+ billion in SNAP contingency funds appropriated by Congress
Cites SNAP serves 42 million people including 16 million children and 8 million seniors
Points to 2018-2019 shutdown precedent where USDA acknowledged contingency authority
References administration's use of interchange authority for WIC funding

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

SNAP recipients facing potential benefit interruptions would have Congress on record supporting continued funding. The administration would face pressure to use available legal authorities to prevent hunger. Low-income families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities would be affected by any SNAP funding gaps.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

481, 119th Congress (2025). "A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Department of Agriculture should use its contingency funds and interchange authority to finance the supplemental nutrition assistance program.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-sres-481