Work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) who receive food stamps would be reinforced under legislation introduced on Feb. 24 by U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD).
The congressman sponsored the America Works Act of 2025, H.R. 1528, to reinforce standard work requirements for all states under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, a federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income persons.
“Work is a powerful pathway out of poverty,” Rep. Johnson said. “Time and time again, work requirements for able-bodied adults have proven to be effective. My bill makes improvements, including closing loopholes some states use to game the system.”
Federal law requires ABAWDs younger than 55 years old to participate in work, training, or education for 20 hours a week. However, Rep. Johnson says that several states have identified loopholes to not enforce work requirements.
If enacted, H.R. 1528 would amend the definition of ABAWD by raising the 18-to-55 age limit of an enrolled ABAWD to 18 to 65, consistent with the age individuals become eligible for Medicare, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Johnson’s staff.
Among other provisions, the bill also would eliminate the ability of states to group areas with high-unemployment areas with lower-unemployment by explicitly tying waivers to county or county-equivalent unemployment rates.
“The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 included several reforms to limit states’ ability to misuse waivers for SNAP work requirements, but several states have exploited the geographic waivers through combining areas of low unemployment with areas of high unemployment to maximize their eligibility for SNAP requirements,” the summary says.
H.R. 1528, which has two original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), is supported by the Foundation for Government Accountability.
Rep. Johnson also introduced similar legislation during the previous session of Congress, according to his staff.