WATCH: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Fights to Protect New Mexico Veterans’ Food Benefits, Cut Red Tape

WASHINGTON, D.C.- On March 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)fought to ensure New Mexico's veterans do not go hungry, demanding Congress roll back the SNAP work requirements added for veterans under the Republican tax law. A member of the House Agriculture Committee, he introduced the Feed Our Veterans Act as an amendment to the 2026 Farm Bill to cut red tape for the American heroes who have served our country.

"I can't imagine how anyone in this room can look a hungry veteran in their district in the face and say you voted against feeding them," said Vasquez, addressing his fellow members of the House Agriculture Committee. "My amendment would cut the red tape imposed under the Republican tax law to ensure no veteran is forced to go hungry after serving their country."

WATCH THE CLIP HERE

Many veterans live with service-related health conditions that limit their ability to work, but under the Republican tax law, the 1.2 million veterans nationwide who rely on SNAP now face new work requirements to keep their benefits.

• For decades, the federal government recognized the value of veterans' military service and exempted them from SNAP work requirements to feed themselves and their families.
• Beginning in 2026, veterans now have to prove they are working, volunteering, participating in job training, or looking for work for at least 80 hours a month to keep their food assistance benefits beyond three months due to the Republican tax law.
• New Mexico is among the top four states in which veterans rely on SNAP to feed themselves, and 11% of veterans in New Mexico are on SNAP.
• Through SNAP, veterans are able to access workforce education and training. Vasquez's amendment would ensure that veterans don't lose these benefits, along with their food benefit, after three months.

The House Agriculture Committee will vote on the amendment and to advance the final bill later this evening.

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