Puerto Rico would join federal SNAP food aid program

What does this do?

This bill would bring Puerto Rico into SNAP, the federal food assistance program commonly known as food stamps. Puerto Rico currently runs its own separate nutrition program funded by a fixed federal block grant instead of participating in SNAP directly. Under the bill, Puerto Rico's government would create a transition plan, the U.S. Department of Agriculture would approve it, and the full switch would happen 10 years after the bill becomes law.

Who does it affect?

Puerto Rico residents would become eligible for food assistance under the same rules and standards that apply to people in the 50 states and territories like Guam. American Samoa, which currently shares the block grant funding arrangement with Puerto Rico, would continue to receive nutrition assistance funding after Puerto Rico's transition is complete.

Why does it matter?

Puerto Rico would shift from a fixed-funding system to one where benefits are determined by the same nationwide eligibility standards used in the states. The existing block grant program would remain in place during the 10-year transition period.

Where does it stand?