Summary of SRES 481: Resolution on SNAP Funding

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: SRES 481
• Title: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Department of Agriculture should use its contingency funds and interchange authority to finance the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
• Status: Introduced in Senate
• Introduced On: November 03, 2025
• Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SRES 481 is to express the Senate's position that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) should utilize its contingency funds and authority to ensure the continued funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through November 2025. This resolution emphasizes the urgency of addressing food insecurity among vulnerable populations.

Key Provisions

The resolution outlines several key points regarding the funding of SNAP:
1. Legal Obligation: It asserts that the Trump administration is legally obligated to fund SNAP using the contingency fund.
2. Authority and Funds: It states that the administration has both the legal authority and the necessary funds to finance SNAP through November 2025.
3. Importance for Vulnerable Populations: The resolution highlights the critical need for SNAP funding, particularly for:
- Approximately 16 million children
- About 8 million seniors
- Roughly 4 million individuals with disabilities
- Around 1.2 million veterans
4. Call to Action: It urges the administration to immediately exercise its legal authority to fund SNAP for the month of November 2025.

Affected Populations

The resolution specifically addresses the impact of SNAP funding on various groups, including:
- Children: 16 million children who rely on SNAP for nutritional support.
- Seniors: 8 million seniors who may face food insecurity.
- Individuals with Disabilities: 4 million people with disabilities who depend on SNAP.
- Veterans: 1.2 million veterans who may struggle with hunger.

Legislative Actions

• November 03, 2025: The resolution was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for further consideration.

Sponsors

The resolution has a broad range of support, with numerous cosponsors, including:
- Primary Sponsor: Jeff Merkley
- Notable Cosponsors:
- Catherine Cortez Masto
- Mark R. Warner
- Elizabeth A. Warren
- Bernie Sanders
- Tammy Baldwin
- Cory Booker
- Others (totaling over 40 cosponsors)

Related Bills

• HRES 856: This is a companion resolution that addresses similar issues regarding SNAP funding.

Conclusion

SRES 481 serves as a formal expression of the Senate's stance on the importance of funding SNAP through the USDA's contingency funds. By highlighting the legal obligations and the urgent needs of millions of Americans, the resolution aims to prompt immediate action from the administration to ensure food security for vulnerable populations.