Big Beautiful Bill Passes US House Narrowly Reshaping SNAP Benefits in Texas
The Big Beautiful Bill passed the House 218 to 214 triggering major changes to the SNAP program in Texas. Stricter work rules and state cost-sharing will impact Maverick County residents.
|July 4, 2025|Eagle Pass, Texas| The US House of Representatives passed the controversial Big Beautiful Bill by a narrow vote of 218 to 214. The legislation brings major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with Texas among the most heavily affected states. Local officials in Eagle Pass and Maverick County are already preparing for the impact.
Introduced by Republican lawmakers and backed by some moderate Democrats, the bill overhauls how food assistance is delivered, monitored, and funded. It includes stricter work requirements, limits on certain food purchases, and penalties for states with high SNAP error rates.
The Senate previously approved the measure by a 51 to 50 vote. The bill now heads to the president’s desk for final approval.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Under the new law, SNAP recipients between the ages of 18 and 64 will be required to work or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible. This expands the current requirements and reduces available exemptions for older adults and some parents.
The bill also prohibits the use of SNAP benefits to buy certain items deemed non-nutritive, such as sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks. In exchange, recipients will receive bonus benefits for purchasing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
In addition, states with high administrative error rates in their SNAP programs will be required to cover up to 15 percent of SNAP costs. This cost-shifting could place pressure on state budgets, especially in high-need states like Texas.
Impact on Texas and Maverick County
Texas currently serves more than 3.4 million SNAP recipients and received over 7 billion dollars in SNAP funding in fiscal year 2024. The new federal mandates may force the state to increase spending or reduce services if administrative improvements are not made.
In Maverick County, over 16,800 individuals received SNAP benefits in 2022, with more than 5,000 households depending on food assistance to meet basic needs. The new work requirement of 80 hours per month may pose a challenge for many families in the area, particularly those with seasonal jobs or irregular employment.
If residents are unable to meet the new thresholds or provide timely documentation, they risk losing their benefits under the revised rules.
Local Implementation Timeline
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission will oversee the rollout of these changes once the bill is signed into law. Most provisions are expected to go into effect within the next 90 to 180 days.
Households receiving SNAP in Eagle Pass and throughout Maverick County should expect notices outlining updated eligibility standards and reporting requirements. Local agencies will be expected to manage the increased verification workload without additional federal funding for administration.
State leaders are currently reviewing the potential financial burden of the new cost-sharing rules. The bill’s opponents argue that it may strain Texas agencies already working with limited resources.
What Residents Should Know
Affected households are encouraged to visit YourTexasBenefits.com regularly for updates and to communicate with local offices if they have questions about their eligibility. Residents should prepare for changes in both benefit access and acceptable purchases under the SNAP program.
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