Congress·In Committee·S. 3958

Sen. Gillibrand Introduces Bill to Move Puerto Rico to SNAP Nutrition Program

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

15 days ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

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Key Points

This bill would transition Puerto Rico from its current block grant nutrition assistance program to SNAP, the same food aid program used across the 50 states. Currently, Puerto Rico operates under a fixed-budget system that often provides less generous benefits than SNAP.
From policy text
“To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to transition Puerto Rico to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.”
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Food benefits would be adjusted to reflect the actual cost of groceries in Puerto Rico, similar to how the government already handles higher food costs in Alaska and Hawaii. This ensures families can afford a basic healthy diet.
From policy text
“make cost adjustments in the thrifty food plan for Hawaii, the urban and rural parts of Alaska, and Puerto Rico to reflect the cost of food in Hawaii, the urban and rural parts of Alaska, and Puerto Rico, respectively;”
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The bill includes a long transition period: Puerto Rico has 180 days to submit a plan, the USDA has 180 days to review it, and the block grant can continue for up to 5 years. The major legal amendments don't take full effect until 10 years after enactment.
From policy text
“The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.”
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Switching to SNAP would give Puerto Rico access to an entitlement program whose funding automatically rises with need, unlike the current capped block grant. This means more reliable help during economic downturns and natural disasters when more families qualify.
After the transition, the block grant funds previously shared between Puerto Rico and American Samoa would go entirely to American Samoa, ensuring that territory's nutrition program is not disrupted.
From policy text
“the Secretary shall use 100 percent of the funds made available under subparagraph (A) for payment to American Samoa to pay 100 percent of the expenditures by American Samoa for a nutrition assistance program extended under section 601(c) of Public Law 96-597 (48 U.S.C. 1469d(c)).”
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Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Mar 2, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Mar 2, 2026

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 6 months of enactment

Puerto Rico must submit a plan to transition to SNAP within 180 days of designating a state agency

The local government begins the formal process of setting up the infrastructure needed to run SNAP, including staffing and technology systems.

Up to 5 years after enactment

Up to 5-year transition period during which the current block grant continues alongside SNAP preparations

Families keep receiving their current benefits while Puerto Rico builds the systems needed for full SNAP. No one loses assistance during the changeover.

Related News

3 articles

The Hill·about 3 years ago

Bipartisan bill seeks to end 'discrimination' in Puerto Rico food aid

Lawmakers introduced the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act to provide the island with equal access to SNAP benefits. The bill addresses the funding gap between the current NAP system and the federal SNAP program used in the 50 states.

Pasquines·about 3 years ago

Gillibrand, González-Colón Lead Bipartisan Push for Puerto Rico SNAP Transition

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón are leading a bipartisan effort to pass the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act, which would phase in SNAP benefits over several years to ensure administrative readiness.

Politico·almost 3 years ago

The Farm Bill's Puerto Rico Problem

As Congress debates the upcoming Farm Bill, the transition of Puerto Rico to SNAP remains a central point of contention, with the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act serving as the primary legislative vehicle for the change.

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