Feed Our Veterans Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7383

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.

Last Updated

2026-07-02T08:07:04Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Feed Our Veterans Act" (H.R. 7383) aims to restore an exemption for veterans from the work requirements that apply to participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps). SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The bill is titled the "Feed Our Veterans Act."
• Amendment to Existing Law: It modifies Section 6(o)(3) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(o)(3)), which lists exemptions from SNAP's work requirements.
• Adds a new subparagraph (H) explicitly exempting "a veteran" (defined as someone who served in the U.S. military).
• Makes minor grammatical adjustments to existing subparagraphs (F) and (G) to accommodate the addition.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Previously, veterans were not explicitly listed as exempt from SNAP's work requirements, which generally require able-bodied adults without dependents to work or participate in job training to receive benefits.
• This bill restores and clarifies the exemption, ensuring veterans are treated similarly to other exempt groups (e.g., those with disabilities or caregivers), without needing to prove individual hardships.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Veterans, particularly those facing employment challenges after service (e.g., due to injuries or readjustment), will have easier access to SNAP benefits without the barrier of work requirements, potentially improving food security for thousands of eligible veterans and their families.
• On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP, may see administrative changes in processing exemptions, possibly reducing verification workloads for veteran status but increasing overall program enrollment slightly.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic welfare policy focused on U.S. veterans.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, gaining streamlined access to nutrition assistance.
• SNAP Participants and Administrators: State and local agencies handling SNAP applications may need to update eligibility rules and training.
• U.S. Congress and Policymakers: Sponsors (e.g., Rep. Vasquez, Rep. Riley, Rep. Gray) and the House Committee on Agriculture, which will review the bill.
• Veterans' Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars, which may support expanded benefits.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens protections under the Food and Nutrition Act by codifying a veteran-specific exemption, potentially reducing litigation over eligibility denials. It aligns with broader federal laws prioritizing veterans' benefits (e.g., under the GI Bill or VA programs).
• Constitutional: No major challenges anticipated; it supports equal protection principles by addressing potential disparities for a protected class (veterans) without infringing on states' rights in program administration.
• Political: Highlights bipartisan support for veterans' issues (introduced with cosponsors from different regions), but could spark debates on work requirements in welfare programs, influencing future SNAP reforms amid ongoing discussions on fiscal responsibility and social safety nets.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]

Cosponsors (5)

Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Gray, Adam [D-CA-13], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
• 2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
• 2026-02-04: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Feed Our Veterans Act — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (2 pages)