Rep. Adams, Hayes, Lee, and Simon Introduce Bill to Improve Access to SNAP

Washington, D.C. (February 12, 2026) - Today, Congresswomen Alma Adams (NC-12), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Summer Lee (PA-12), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12) reintroduced the Improving Access to Nutrition Act tolift the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's (SNAP) three-month limit and ensure that all Americans have access to nutritious food and the ability to stay healthy in everyday life.

"Hunger is on the rise across the country while Republicans have made the largest cuts to SNAP in history," said Congresswoman Alma Adams. "The Improving Access to NutritionAct puts people over politics and ensures that we keep all families healthy and fed, so they can pursue a career, continuing education, job training, and take care of themselves."

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the One Big Ugly Bill has cut $186 billion from SNAP through 2034. Under current law, most working adults without dependents are limited to three months of benefits within a three-year period unless they meet strict work requirements. The bill tightens these rules even further by eliminating long-standing exemptions for United States veterans, young adults ages 18 to 24 who have aged out of foster care, and people experiencing homelessness. As a result, individuals already facing housing instability, trauma, or inconsistent employment could lose access to food assistance through no fault of their own.

These reductions come as food insecurity remains persistently high. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that 47.9 million people, including 14.1 million children, struggled with food insecurity in 2024. In 2025, after the Republican SNAP cuts became law, the USDA cut their Food Security Report.

At the same time, economic conditions are making it harder for people to secure steady work. The labor market has slowed significantly amid tariff-driven uncertainty, with companies scaling back hiring. Job openings have fallen to 6.54 million, the lowest level since September 2020, underscoring the growing gap between stricter SNAP requirements and the availability of jobs.

"Hungry people should not be punished because they lose their job or their hours get cut," said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, "SNAP is an important lifeline to getting a working person back on their feet. No person, doing the best they can, should go hungry; the Improving Access to Nutrition Act is a step in accomplishing this goal."

"In communities across Western Pennsylvania and the country, people are already doing everything they can to get by, yet Republicans in Congress are doubling down on failed policies that don't create jobs but do take food off families' tables," said Congresswoman Summer Lee, "The Improving Access to Nutrition Act is about dignity and survival, ensuring people can eat and care for their families without needless barriers. I will always fight to center our communities and ensure no one is forced to go hungry in the richest country in the world."

"I am proud to champion this legislation alongside Congresswomen Adams, Hayes, and Lee to end outdated SNAP rules that cut off food assistance after just three months for adults deemed 'able-bodied' with no dependents," said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. "No one should be denied nutrition benefits because of punitive rules. Cuts to SNAP drives families deeper into hunger and hardship. We need policies like the Improving Access to Nutrition Act that uphold dignity and expand opportunity, not ones that criminalize being poor."

You can read the full text of the bill below.