Washington State, SNAP benefits and the 'Big, Beautiful Bill'

Lawmakers in D.C. are still working on President Trump's big beautiful bill.

That's the budget reconciliation measure focused on extending his first term tax cuts, boosting defense spending and immigration enforcement and cutting some spending.

Should it become law, it's expected to cut into benefits for millions of Americans –  specifically, federal food assistance programs. It's expected to slice hundreds of billions from SNAP, or food stamps. 

Around 10 percent of Washington state's population get SNAP benefits, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Washington State Standard estimates tens of thousands in the state could lose federal food aid if the bill passes. 

We hear from the executive director of a Seattle food bank about the proposed cuts to SNAP and how they could affect the food bank’s operations and clients.

And we get an update on the bill's progress from a D.C.-based reporter. 

Guests

Orion Donovan Smith legislative reporter, Washington, D.C. Bureau, The Spokesman-Review

Gloria Hatcher-Mays executive director, Rainier Valley Food Bank

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.