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America Works Act of 2025
4/3/2025, 1:59 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1528
The bill proposes that able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 59 who are not pregnant, disabled, or caring for a child under the age of 6 must meet certain work requirements in order to continue receiving SNAP benefits. These work requirements include either being employed for at least 20 hours per week, participating in a qualified job training program, or volunteering for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
The goal of this legislation is to promote self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on government assistance programs by encouraging able-bodied adults to work or participate in job training programs. Proponents of the bill argue that it will help individuals gain valuable job skills and experience, ultimately leading to increased employment opportunities and economic stability. Critics of the bill, however, argue that it may disproportionately impact low-income individuals who may face barriers to employment, such as lack of access to transportation or childcare. They also raise concerns about the potential negative impact on vulnerable populations who rely on SNAP benefits for their basic needs. Overall, Bill 119 hr 1528 seeks to standardize work requirements for able-bodied adults enrolled in the SNAP program in an effort to promote self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on government assistance. The bill is currently under consideration in the US Congress and has sparked debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups.
Congressional Summary of HR 1528
America Works Act of 2025
This bill expands the applicability of work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients who are able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). As background, these SNAP recipients have work-related requirements in addition to the general SNAP work registration and employment and training requirements.
Specifically, the bill amends the exemptions to this requirement.
First, the bill applies the work requirements for ABAWDs to adults who are not over 65 years old, whereas these requirements currently apply to adults who are not over 55 years old.
Second, the ABAWD exemption for a parent or household member with responsibility for a dependent child is restricted to a dependent child under the age of seven. Currently, the child must be under the age of 18.
Third, the bill repeals the ABAWD exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and certain foster care individuals (those who are 24 years old or younger and were in foster care on the date of attaining 18 years of age or a higher age).
In addition, under current law, an ABAWD waiver program allows state exemptions based on an area having an unemployment rate of over 10% or an insufficient number of jobs. The bill amends the exemption to require the unemployment rate to be based on the rate for the county, instead of the area. Further, the bill repeals the provision that allows a state exemption if that area does not have a sufficient number of jobs.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 1528
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1528
Total Number of Sponsors
6Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
6Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
19Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
19Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1528
Primary Policy Focus
Agriculture and FoodAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1528
Comments
Kole Gray
9 months ago
I think this bill is a good idea. It's important for people to work if they are able to receive benefits. But I wonder, how will this bill impact those who may struggle to find work in today's economy?
