Washington, D.C. – In a major setback for conservatives pushing for smaller government, a key Republican plan to shift food stamp costs from the federal government to individual states has been blocked by the Senate parliamentarian — jeopardizing a central piece of President Donald Trump’s $4.5 trillion tax cut and spending reform bill.
Senate Ruling Stalls GOP Welfare Reform
The decision, delivered late Friday, ruled that the proposed SNAP food stamp cost-sharing plan violated the Senate’s Byrd Rule, which governs what can be included in a budget reconciliation bill.
While the parliamentarian’s rulings are technically non-binding, they are almost never overruled. Republican leadership is now scrambling to revise the legislation ahead of a critical vote — which President Trump wants passed into law by Independence Day.
“This bill is about putting taxpayers first,” a senior GOP aide said. “We’re not giving up.”
Tax Cuts for Working Americans at Risk
At stake is a sweeping package that would extend President Trump’s middle-class tax cuts, eliminate federal taxes on tips and overtime pay, and deliver long-overdue relief for seniors and small business owners.
To help offset the cost of this historic tax overhaul, Republicans proposed trimming federal spending — including major reforms to welfare programs like SNAP and Medicaid. The blocked food stamp plan would have saved an estimated $128 billion, according to early projections.
The bill also includes new work requirements for food stamp recipients up to age 65 — a popular conservative policy aimed at reducing dependency and restoring the value of work.
Democrats Celebrate, But Critics Say They’re Blocking Reform
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, celebrated the ruling, saying it would protect “families in need.” But critics argue that the left’s resistance to even modest reforms proves they’re more interested in expanding government handouts than protecting taxpayers.
“Once again, Democrats are defending a broken welfare system while blocking meaningful reform,” said one Republican lawmaker.
Trump’s Priorities Face Procedural Roadblocks
Despite passing in the House along party lines, the 1,000-page bill is facing growing scrutiny in the Senate. GOP leaders are now working through the weekend to amend the bill without triggering the 60-vote threshold that would make passage virtually impossible.
Other provisions flagged by the parliamentarian include:
- A proposal to limit food stamp eligibility for non-citizens and illegal immigrants
- Rollbacks to EPA vehicle emissions rules
- Defense funding requirements tied to Trump’s mass deportation plan
- Efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Conservatives Push Forward Despite Setbacks
The bill remains a top priority for President Trump and Congressional Republicans, who have vowed to deliver real fiscal reform before the November elections.
The current version of the bill includes over $1 trillion in spending reductions, combined with over $350 billion in national security funding, much of it tied to border enforcement, deportation operations, and strengthening the U.S. military.
“This bill reflects our values: strong borders, low taxes, and less government,” said one conservative strategist.
What Comes Next for Trump’s America First Agenda?
While Democrats continue to obstruct and delay, many believe that with the right adjustments, the legislation will move forward — especially with strong support from voters who are fed up with runaway spending and liberal welfare policies.
The path forward may require GOP lawmakers to revise or remove provisions that conflict with Senate rules. But for millions of conservatives, this bill represents the bold action they voted for — and they’re watching closely.
Key Takeaways
- Senate parliamentarian blocks GOP plan to shift food stamp costs to states
- Potential $128 billion in savings now in jeopardy
- Trump’s bill still includes no tax on tips, new work requirements, and $350B in border and defense spending
- Democrats resist reforms, even as welfare rolls continue to grow
- Republicans vow to fight on and pass a historic tax cut plan