In June of 2026, the House passed a Republican-led fiscal year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill that includes significant cuts to food assistance and rural aid programs 

Key Cuts and Changes

• $200 million reduction in USDA fruit and vegetable vouchers for women, infants, and children (WIC), threatening access to healthy food for 5 million eligible recipients 
• Hundreds of millions in rural aid cuts, including slashing water and waste grants for poor communities and cutting the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) loans in half
• Reduction in Food for Peace funding, which supports U.S. farmers and global food aid
• Discretionary funding of $26.3 billion — $1.1 billion (4%) less than FY2026 — with steep increases in costs for farmers and rural communities 
• Rural broadband investments and development grants for rural businesses are also targeted 

Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Critics, including Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Sanford Bishop Jr., warn the cuts will decimate rural assistance grants, harm farmers by reducing access to USDA resources, and endanger food security for working families and children.

They also note that USDA offices are already understaffed, making it harder for farmers to access benefits 

Political Context
The bill was advanced by Republicans and passed along party lines, with no Democratic support. Supporters frame it as necessary to control costs amid rising food prices and rural infrastructure challenges, while opponents call it a devastating blow to nutrition programs and rural economies 

If the Senate also passes a similar version, the bill would become law, potentially reshaping federal support for food assistance and rural development for years to come. 

Sources: House Committee on Ways and Means, Committee on Appropriations