New Bill Proposes Budget Rule to Block Medicaid and SNAP Cuts Via Reconciliation Until 2029

This bill, the 'Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act of 2025,' aims to put up a procedural roadblock against potential cuts to two major safety net programs. It amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to create a specific rule – a 'point of order' – that would apply to a specific type of legislation known as a reconciliation bill. The core idea is to make it harder for Congress to use this fast-track budget process to reduce enrollment or benefits in Medicaid (under title XIX of the Social Security Act) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps, under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008).

How a Budget Rule Could Protect Benefits

So, what's a 'reconciliation point of order'? Think of it as a formal objection that a Senator or Representative can raise during debate. Under this bill, if a reconciliation package includes provisions that cut Medicaid or SNAP enrollment or benefits, a member could raise this point of order. If the objection is sustained (which often requires a supermajority vote to overcome), that specific provision cutting the program could be stripped from the bill. Reconciliation is often used for major budget legislation because it has special rules allowing it to pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing the usual 60-vote filibuster threshold. This bill essentially tries to take Medicaid and SNAP cuts off the table for that specific, expedited process.

What This Means for People Using Medicaid or SNAP

The practical effect is intended to provide a layer of security for the millions who rely on these programs. For a family using SNAP to supplement their grocery budget, or a person with a disability receiving healthcare through Medicaid, this bill seeks to prevent sudden reductions passed through the fast-tracked reconciliation process. By amending Section 310 of the Budget Act, it directly targets attempts within reconciliation bills to shrink eligibility or reduce the support these programs offer. It creates a hurdle specifically designed to protect these programs within that budget context.

A Temporary Shield with Limits

It's important to note the boundaries here. This protection isn't permanent; the bill explicitly states this new rule expires on January 20, 2029. After that date, reconciliation bills could again include Medicaid or SNAP cuts without facing this specific point of order. Furthermore, this rule only applies to reconciliation legislation. Congress could still potentially modify these programs through regular legislation, which follows different procedures and often requires broader consensus. This bill focuses narrowly on preventing cuts via one specific, powerful budget tool for a defined period.