House Republicans are pushing for new limits on food stamps, driven by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s mission to “Make America Healthy Again.” Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., is leading the effort with “The Healthy SNAP Act,” which would bar most junk foods from being eligible for purchase under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The bill would prohibit the use of food stamps to buy soft drinks, candy, ice cream, and other processed foods. Seven Republicans have backed the legislation as co-sponsors. The bill aims to improve public health and reduce taxpayer costs for healthcare programs like Medicaid, which covers approximately 1 in 4 Americans.
Brecheen’s bill is part of a broader effort to reform SNAP, which has been criticized for allowing junk food purchases. Senator Marco Rubio, who has advocated for eliminating junk food purchases with SNAP, has backed efforts to reform the program. Rubio’s bipartisan bill with Senator Cory Booker aimed to improve nutrition security and diet quality for SNAP recipients.
The push for healthier food options is a notable shift from the past, when conservatives opposed former first lady Michelle Obama’s efforts to improve school lunches. Kennedy, a self-described Democrat who ran for president as an Independent candidate, has driven a significant shift in the national dialogue on the issue since forging a relationship with President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has tapped Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, although his confirmation may be an uphill battle due to his history of vaccine skepticism.
