Millions of U.S. children could face hunger, health issues, and setbacks in school due to deep federal budget cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs, a new report warns.
The House Budget Committee has advanced a proposal that would slash $290 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and more than $600 billion from Medicaid, according to early estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.
Advocacy groups First Focus on Children and UnidosUS say the cuts would harm children’s long-term health and economic outcomes. “Developmental delays and health problems in kids have lifelong consequences,” said Bruce Lesley, president of First Focus on Children.
Roughly 34 million children rely on either SNAP or Medicaid, and about 14 million depend on both. The report, titled “Children Under Attack”, says the proposed cuts would have serious, lasting effects.
House Speaker Mike Johnson called the plan a chance to deliver “historic” savings and ensure aid goes to those “who need and deserve them.” The proposal would shift more financial responsibility to states and tighten eligibility rules.
Under the plan, most adults ages 19–64 would have to prove they are working to receive benefits, with limited exemptions for families with young children.
Children’s advocates and lawmakers condemned the move, saying it prioritizes tax cuts for the wealthy over basic needs. “We shouldn’t gut life-sustaining programs for kids just to benefit the rich,” said Rep. Kathy Castor.
The report links reduced food access to poor health, developmental delays, and lower academic performance. Fewer health benefits could mean more ER visits and early deaths, especially for children in marginalized communities.
Loss of SNAP or Medicaid could also block families from accessing other safety net programs, like school meals and WIC, since eligibility often overlaps.
“The true impact is larger than it appears,” Lesley said. “We’re putting millions of children at risk.”
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