Ending the Cycle of Dependency Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 1452

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.

Last Updated

2025-07-14T15:22:17Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Ending the Cycle of Dependency Act of 2025" (H.R. 1452) aims to reduce long-term reliance on federal assistance programs by strengthening work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) and introducing new work requirements for Medicaid, a health insurance program for low-income individuals.

Key Provisions

• SNAP Work Requirements (Amendments to Food and Nutrition Act of 2008):
• Narrows exemptions from work requirements to include only: individuals over 60; those with a child under 6; those physically or mentally unfit for work; those caring for an incapacitated person; or those meeting work rules under another federal program.
• Removes broader exemptions, such as for parents of children aged 6-18 or those in certain treatment programs.
• Eliminates a previous waiver provision that allowed states to suspend work requirements in areas with high unemployment.

• Medicaid Work Requirements (Amendments to Social Security Act):
• Defines "applicable individuals" as able-bodied adults aged 19-59 who are not exempt (exemptions include: those under 19 or over 60; pregnant individuals; parents or caretakers of children under 6 or incapacitated persons; those in drug/alcohol treatment; those complying with other federal work programs; or half-time students in approved educational programs like college or vocational training).
• Requires applicable individuals to complete at least 80 hours per month of work (at federal minimum wage or equivalent), community service, participation in a work program (e.g., job training), or a combination.
• Denies federal funding for Medicaid coverage for non-compliant individuals after three months of failure in a calendar year.
• Allows states to opt to disenroll non-compliant individuals entirely.

• Repeal of Prior Law: Strikes a 2023 provision (from the Fiscal Responsibility Act) that had expanded SNAP exemptions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• SNAP: Previously, exemptions were broader (e.g., for parents of school-aged children up to 18 and in high-unemployment areas). This bill tightens eligibility, making more adults subject to work rules without state-level waivers.
• Medicaid: Introduces work requirements for the first time at the federal level, shifting from a model focused solely on income and need to one incorporating employment or activity verification. No prior federal Medicaid law mandated work for coverage.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Could reduce access to food assistance (SNAP) and health coverage (Medicaid) for non-exempt, working-age adults unable to meet 80-hour requirements, potentially increasing financial strain or reliance on other aid. Exemptions protect vulnerable groups like young parents, seniors, and students.
• On Government Agencies: State SNAP and Medicaid agencies (under USDA and HHS oversight) must implement verification systems for work hours, exemptions, and compliance, increasing administrative costs and workload. Federal government faces reduced spending on non-compliant cases but potential litigation expenses.
• On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic welfare programs.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary Beneficiaries: Low-income adults aged 19-59 enrolled in SNAP or Medicaid, particularly able-bodied individuals without dependents or exemptions, who may lose benefits.
• Exempt Groups: Protected categories (e.g., pregnant people, caregivers of young children, students) largely unaffected.
• State Governments: Gain flexibility to disenroll non-compliant Medicaid enrollees but bear implementation burdens.
• Federal Agencies: USDA (for SNAP) and HHS (for Medicaid) must enforce changes, potentially altering program funding and operations.
• Employers and Community Organizations: May see increased participation in work programs or community service.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Could invite lawsuits challenging work requirements as barriers to essential benefits (e.g., under the Administrative Procedure Act for implementation rules or as violating anti-discrimination laws). Past similar SNAP/Medicaid efforts have faced court blocks over administrative feasibility.
• Constitutional: Raises questions of federalism, as states gain opt-out powers but must align with federal mandates; potential equal protection concerns if exemptions disproportionately affect certain groups (e.g., by race or disability, though not explicit).
• Political: Aligns with welfare reform debates, emphasizing self-sufficiency, but may spark controversy over access to basic needs like food and healthcare amid economic variability. No direct partisan language in the bill, but introduced by Republican representatives.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7]

Cosponsors (5)

Rep. Brecheen, Josh [R-OK-2], Rep. Onder, Robert [R-MO-3], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
• 2025-02-21: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-02-21: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-02-21: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Ending the Cycle of Dependency Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-21 — PDF (6 pages)