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Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

USA119th CongressHR-5168| House 
| Updated: 9/8/2025
Pablo Jose Hernández

Pablo Jose Hernández

Democratic Representative

Puerto Rico

Cosponsors (32)
John W. Mannion (Democratic)Gilbert Ray Cisneros (Democratic)Ritchie Torres (Democratic)Gabe Vasquez (Democratic)Chrissy Houlahan (Democratic)Darren Soto (Democratic)David Scott (Democratic)Kristen McDonald Rivet (Democratic)Maxine Dexter (Democratic)Andrea Salinas (Democratic)Angie Craig (Democratic)Rosa L. DeLauro (Democratic)Adriano Espaillat (Democratic)Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican)George Latimer (Democratic)Don Bacon (Republican)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Jahana Hayes (Democratic)Alma S. Adams (Democratic)Salud O. Carbajal (Democratic)Jamie Raskin (Democratic)Tony Gonzales (Republican)James P. McGovern (Democratic)Summer L. Lee (Democratic)James C. Moylan (Republican)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)Johnny Olszewski (Democratic)Sarah McBride (Democratic)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Emily Randall (Democratic)Michael Lawler (Republican)Chellie Pingree (Democratic)

Agriculture Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act seeks to integrate Puerto Rico into the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), moving it away from its current nutrition assistance block grant. This transition involves amending the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to recognize Puerto Rico as a "State" for SNAP eligibility and program administration. Specifically, it modifies definitions and eligibility sections to include Puerto Rico alongside other U.S. territories and states. To facilitate this change, Puerto Rico must submit a detailed plan of operation for transitioning to SNAP within 180 days of designating a responsible agency. The Secretary of Agriculture will provide appropriate technical assistance during this period and must approve or disapprove the plan within 180 days of receipt. Upon approval, the Secretary will certify to Congress that Puerto Rico qualifies to participate in SNAP as a State. The existing consolidated block grant for Puerto Rico will continue for a transition period, lasting up to five years after the amendments' effective date or until the Secretary determines it's no longer needed. During this time, the Secretary will provide annual reports to Congress detailing the block grant's operation and the funding increases required for the SNAP transition. Crucially, while the Act takes effect upon enactment, the substantive amendments enabling Puerto Rico's full participation in SNAP will become effective ten years after the date of enactment .
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-8495
Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act of 2022

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5220
Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-253
Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act
Sep 8, 2025
Introduced in House
Sep 8, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Mar 2, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3958
Introduced in Senate
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-8495
    Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act of 2022


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5220
    Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-253
    Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act


  • September 8, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • September 8, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.


  • March 2, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3958
    Introduced in Senate

Agriculture and Food

Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act

USA119th CongressHR-5168| House 
| Updated: 9/8/2025
The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act seeks to integrate Puerto Rico into the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), moving it away from its current nutrition assistance block grant. This transition involves amending the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to recognize Puerto Rico as a "State" for SNAP eligibility and program administration. Specifically, it modifies definitions and eligibility sections to include Puerto Rico alongside other U.S. territories and states. To facilitate this change, Puerto Rico must submit a detailed plan of operation for transitioning to SNAP within 180 days of designating a responsible agency. The Secretary of Agriculture will provide appropriate technical assistance during this period and must approve or disapprove the plan within 180 days of receipt. Upon approval, the Secretary will certify to Congress that Puerto Rico qualifies to participate in SNAP as a State. The existing consolidated block grant for Puerto Rico will continue for a transition period, lasting up to five years after the amendments' effective date or until the Secretary determines it's no longer needed. During this time, the Secretary will provide annual reports to Congress detailing the block grant's operation and the funding increases required for the SNAP transition. Crucially, while the Act takes effect upon enactment, the substantive amendments enabling Puerto Rico's full participation in SNAP will become effective ten years after the date of enactment .
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-8495
Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act of 2022

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5220
Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-253
Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act
Sep 8, 2025
Introduced in House
Sep 8, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Mar 2, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3958
Introduced in Senate
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-8495
    Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act of 2022


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5220
    Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-253
    Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act


  • September 8, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • September 8, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.


  • March 2, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3958
    Introduced in Senate
Pablo Jose Hernández

Pablo Jose Hernández

Democratic Representative

Puerto Rico

Cosponsors (32)
John W. Mannion (Democratic)Gilbert Ray Cisneros (Democratic)Ritchie Torres (Democratic)Gabe Vasquez (Democratic)Chrissy Houlahan (Democratic)Darren Soto (Democratic)David Scott (Democratic)Kristen McDonald Rivet (Democratic)Maxine Dexter (Democratic)Andrea Salinas (Democratic)Angie Craig (Democratic)Rosa L. DeLauro (Democratic)Adriano Espaillat (Democratic)Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican)George Latimer (Democratic)Don Bacon (Republican)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Jahana Hayes (Democratic)Alma S. Adams (Democratic)Salud O. Carbajal (Democratic)Jamie Raskin (Democratic)Tony Gonzales (Republican)James P. McGovern (Democratic)Summer L. Lee (Democratic)James C. Moylan (Republican)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)Johnny Olszewski (Democratic)Sarah McBride (Democratic)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Emily Randall (Democratic)Michael Lawler (Republican)Chellie Pingree (Democratic)

Agriculture Committee

Agriculture and Food

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted