The USDA said states already have enough flexibility to waive the new rule in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
Since last week Democrats have called on President Donald Trump’s administration to delay a planned food benefit cut because of the rapidly expanding coronavirus outbreak, but administration officials have said no.
Starting next month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will tighten rules for unemployed adults who don’t have minor children or disabilities, a policy that will shrink food benefit enrollment by 700,000, or about 2% annually.
Democrats are planning to vote Thursday on an economic stimulus bill that includes a provision suspending so-called “work requirements” in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It’s not clear if the legislation can clear the Senate, however, given Republican opposition to other parts of the bill. Continue reading.