HR5860-119

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the SNAP BACK Act.

2. Appropriation In fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, for any period during which interim continuing appropriations or full-year appropriations for that fiscal year have not been enacted for the Department of Agriculture, there are appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture, such sums as are necessary to provide uninterrupted benefits under— the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C 2011 et seq.); and the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children established by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786).

3. Requirement to release funds Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, immediately upon enactment of this Act, obligate and make available all funds appropriated by Congress for— the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. No officer or employee of the executive branch, including the Office of Management and Budget, or U.S. Department of Agriculture may withhold, delay, or otherwise impede the release or obligation of such funds for any reason not explicitly authorized by statute. The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that, all State agencies administering SNAP or WIC continue to accept, process, and approve applications for individuals and households that meet the statutory eligibility requirements for such programs. Individuals determined eligible under paragraph (1) shall receive benefits as soon as funds are available, and no later than five days after the Secretary obligates the funds made available under subsection (a). No Federal or State official may institute an enrollment freeze, waiting list, or other restriction on participation in SNAP or WIC due to any delay or withholding of funds.

4. Continuity of EBT card access and processing The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure the uninterrupted operation and functionality of all Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) systems used to distribute SNAP and WIC benefits, including during any lapse in appropriations or due to an administrative delay. State agencies administering SNAP or WIC shall, upon receipt of Federal funds, immediately load benefits onto EBT cards for eligible households without additional delay. No Federal or State agency may suspend, deactivate, or otherwise restrict the use of EBT cards due to any temporary funding delay.

5. Reimbursement of States or tribes The Secretary of Agriculture shall reimburse any State of federally recognized American Indian Tribe that makes an emergency appropriation of State or tribal funds to cover a lapse in Federal funding for these programs up to the amount expended by the State or tribe.