Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5168
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T08:09:05Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act (H.R. 5168) aims to integrate the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. Currently, Puerto Rico receives funding through a separate consolidated block grant rather than full SNAP benefits. This bill facilitates a transition to SNAP eligibility, promoting fairness in nutrition support across U.S. territories and states.
Key Provisions
- Inclusion in SNAP Definitions: Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to explicitly include Puerto Rico alongside states like Guam and Hawaii in definitions related to SNAP eligibility, household qualifications, and benefit calculations.
- Plan Submission and Approval Process:
- Puerto Rico must designate a state agency and submit a detailed plan of operation to the Secretary of Agriculture within 180 days, outlining its transition to SNAP.
- The Secretary provides training and technical assistance upon request during this period.
- The Secretary reviews and approves the plan within 180 days if it meets SNAP state plan requirements (e.g., program administration standards). If disapproved, the Secretary must explain deficiencies within 30 days.
- Upon approval, the Secretary certifies Puerto Rico's eligibility to Congress within 90 days, allowing it to participate in SNAP as a "state."
- Transition from Block Grant:
- The existing consolidated block grant for Puerto Rico continues for up to 5 years after the amendments take effect or until the transition is complete, whichever comes first.
- The Secretary must submit annual reports to Congress on the block grant's operation, including any needed funding increases to support the shift to SNAP.
- Amendments to Block Grant Funding:
- Modifies Section 19 of the Food and Nutrition Act to phase out block grant funding for Puerto Rico after the transition period.
- Adjusts funding formulas: Post-transition, Puerto Rico's share drops to zero, while American Samoa's funding increases to 100% coverage for its nutrition program using available funds.
- Ties future adjustments to the "thrifty food plan" (a USDA standard for estimating basic food costs).
- Funding and Timeline:
- Authorizes necessary appropriations to implement the Act until the transition ends.
- The Act takes effect upon enactment, but amendments to the Food and Nutrition Act begin 10 years later.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expansion of SNAP to Territories: Previously, Puerto Rico was excluded from full SNAP participation and relied on a capped block grant since 1996. This bill treats Puerto Rico as a SNAP-eligible "state," enabling access to uncapped, needs-based funding and standardized benefit levels.
- Block Grant Phase-Out: Ends Puerto Rico's block grant after the transition, redirecting funds to support SNAP integration. For American Samoa, it shifts to full federal reimbursement for its program, removing the prior 50% state match requirement post-transition.
- Administrative Requirements: Introduces a structured approval process for Puerto Rico's SNAP entry, similar to other states, including certification to Congress.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will oversee the transition, providing assistance and monitoring compliance, potentially increasing administrative workload and funding needs during the 5-year (or longer) phase-in period starting 10 years after enactment.
- On Citizens: Puerto Rico's low-income residents (over 3 million people) could gain access to higher, more consistent SNAP benefits based on income and household size, rather than the fixed block grant. This may improve food security but requires Puerto Rico to build SNAP infrastructure (e.g., eligibility systems).
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as this is a domestic U.S. territory policy; however, it could enhance U.S. equity in supporting its territories, indirectly bolstering Puerto Rico's stability amid economic challenges like hurricanes and debt.
- Broader Economic Effects: The shift to SNAP could increase federal spending on Puerto Rico's nutrition aid (potentially by hundreds of millions annually), funded through general appropriations, while reducing reliance on block grants.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Puerto Rico Residents and Families: Primary beneficiaries, gaining equitable access to SNAP benefits.
- Puerto Rico Government: Responsible for implementing the transition, designating agencies, and managing SNAP operations; gains from uncapped federal support but faces setup costs.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Leads approval, assistance, and oversight; must allocate resources for technical support and reporting.
- U.S. Congress: Receives certifications and reports; authorizes funding and oversees the 10-year delayed implementation.
- American Samoa: Indirectly benefits from reallocated block grant funds for full coverage of its nutrition program.
- Advocacy Groups and Bipartisan Sponsors: Includes representatives from both parties focused on agriculture, hunger relief, and territorial equity (e.g., sponsors like Mr. Hernandez and Ms. Velazquez).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns Puerto Rico with other U.S. jurisdictions under the Food and Nutrition Act, potentially resolving disparities in federal welfare laws for territories. The 10-year delay allows time for preparation, but disapproval of the plan could lead to legal challenges over equity.
- Constitutional: Addresses equal protection concerns under the U.S. Constitution by extending SNAP—a right-like benefit in the states—to Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory without full voting representation. This reinforces the territory's status without altering its political framework.
- Political: Bipartisan support signals consensus on territorial fairness, but the delayed effective date (10 years) may reflect fiscal caution amid debates over federal spending. It could influence broader discussions on Puerto Rico's status (e.g., statehood or autonomy) by improving social services without immediate cost spikes. No major controversies noted in the bill text, emphasizing administrative transition over partisan divides.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
Cosponsors (69)
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18] and 19 more
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
- 2025-09-08: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2025-09-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act — issued 2025-09-08 — PDF (8 pages)