House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson chaired a hearing of the House Agriculture Committee this week focused on connecting more Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients with employment. Thompson said the goal is to help people move toward self-sufficiency through work, not just provide benefits.
He noted that while unemployment is low and jobs are available, many able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) on SNAP are still not working. According to Thompson, three-quarters of these recipients are unemployed, despite increased spending on the program since 2019.
The hearing looked at two main tools to support this goal: work requirements and the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) programs. Thompson argued that work requirements, which Congress has supported in past Farm Bills, encourage participation in the workforce. He also highlighted E&T programs that help SNAP recipients gain skills and find long-term jobs.
Thompson criticized broad state waivers that allow many to avoid work requirements, even in areas with strong job markets. He urged Congress to limit these waivers and expand access to training and support services, helping more Americans move off SNAP and into the workforce.