Training and Nutrition Stability

Bill Number

H.R. 2974

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Last Updated

2026-06-11T08:06:44Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Training and Nutrition Stability Act (H.R. 2974) aims to encourage participation in workforce training programs by ensuring that income from such programs does not count against eligibility or benefit amounts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps). This helps low-income individuals pursue job training without losing food assistance.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The bill is titled the "Training and Nutrition Stability Act."
• Amendment to SNAP Income Rules: It modifies Section 5 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which governs how income is calculated for SNAP eligibility.
• Strikes (removes) subsection (l) entirely, which previously addressed certain income exclusions.
• Adds a new exclusion in subsection (d)(20) for income from specific programs, treating it as non-countable (not reducing SNAP benefits). This includes:
• Allowances, earnings, and payments from SNAP's own employment and training programs (under Section 6(o)(1)).
• Workfare programs under SNAP (Section 6(d)(4)).
• Vocational rehabilitation programs under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (programs helping people with disabilities gain employment skills).
• Refugee employment programs under Section 412(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (services aiding refugees in finding jobs).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Previously, some training-related income might have been partially counted or limited under subsection (l), potentially discouraging participation. By striking this and adding a broad exclusion in subsection (d), the bill simplifies and expands protections, making all specified training income fully exempt from SNAP calculations.
• This shifts from potentially restrictive rules to a more inclusive approach, aligning SNAP more closely with federal workforce development goals.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: SNAP participants in training programs (e.g., job seekers, refugees, or those with disabilities) could retain full benefits, promoting economic stability and reducing food insecurity during skill-building. This may increase workforce participation rates among low-income groups.
• On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which runs SNAP, would need to update income verification processes but could see cost savings if more people transition to employment. Other agencies like the Department of Labor (for rehabilitation) and Health and Human Services (for refugees) might collaborate more effectively on joint programs.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could indirectly support refugee integration efforts, aligning with U.S. commitments under international agreements on refugee aid.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• SNAP Beneficiaries: Primarily low-income households, including those in job training, refugees, and individuals with disabilities, who gain financial incentives to participate without benefit cuts.
• Workforce Program Providers: Organizations running vocational rehab, refugee employment, or SNAP-linked training (e.g., community colleges, nonprofits) benefit from higher enrollment.
• Federal and State Agencies: USDA for SNAP administration; state welfare offices for implementation; and agencies overseeing rehabilitation and refugee services.
• Employers and Economy: Indirectly, by potentially increasing the skilled labor pool from trained SNAP participants.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: This is a targeted amendment to existing welfare statutes, ensuring consistency across federal programs without creating new entitlements. It avoids conflicts with anti-fraud rules in SNAP by focusing only on verified training income.
• Constitutional: No apparent issues; it supports equal protection under the law by aiding vulnerable groups (e.g., disabled and refugees) in accessing benefits and opportunities, aligning with the Constitution's welfare clause.
• Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (Democrats and Republicans) suggests broad appeal for workforce development. It could influence debates on welfare reform by balancing food security with employment incentives, potentially reducing long-term reliance on assistance programs.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Bresnahan, Robert [R-PA-8], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
• 2025-04-21: Introduced in House
• 2025-04-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Training and Nutrition Stability — issued 2025-04-21 — PDF (2 pages)