The Rules Committee hearing on HR 1 included sustained discussion about the reconciliation package’s proposed changes to federal nutrition programs, most notably the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Democrats warned that the package would include the largest cuts to food assistance in U.S. history and could remove benefits for millions of households — including children, seniors and veterans — while Republicans defended proposals as needed program‑integrity and state‑cost‑share reforms.

Democratic members cited nonpartisan estimates described during the hearing that suggested as many as 5 million people could lose SNAP support under the version of the bill discussed in committee; other Democratic speakers referenced an Urban Institute estimate that up to 18.3 million children could lose access to free school meals under changes that would reduce state and federal eligibility and change reporting rules. Committee Democrats said the changes would be especially harmful in rural communities that already face higher food‑insecurity rates and fewer grocery options.

Republican witnesses and members said the bill would re‑introduce incentives for states to reduce erroneous payments and impose a modest state cost‑share for certain benefits, arguing the change would curb improper payments and help long‑term program sustainability. Several committee witnesses described longstanding issues in state administration and contrasted the unique federal funding of SNAP (federal benefit payments combined with state administration) with other means‑tested programs.

Democratic members proposed amendments to strike nutrition cuts and to maintain current federal indexing and benefit formulas; they also argued that program changes could shift the burden to state budgets and to local food banks and hospitals. Committee discussion included local examples: members described constituents who have relied on SNAP to make ends meet and hospital and grocery operators who said SNAP dollars support local food‑chain economies.

The hearing included a procedural roll call on an early motion, but the committee proceeded and Democrats said they would continue to offer floor amendments. Several members requested additional data from the Congressional Budget Office and urged that any final rule or manager’s amendment be published and scored prior to a floor vote.

The Rules Committee discussion made SNAP and child nutrition a central focus of the markup; the subject recurred across testimony and in floor‑facing amendments planned by Democrats.