H.R. 4797: EATS Act of 2025
Sponsor
Jimmy Gomez
Democrat · CA-34
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Jul 29, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Students shouldn't lose SNAP for going to school
Why it matters
Half-time students at colleges, trade schools, and training programs could clear a major federal SNAP barrier under H.R. 4797. Instead of forcing students through a separate set of federal eligibility tests, the bill removes that student-only hurdle.
H.R. 4797 removes the separate federal SNAP restriction that applies to many students in higher education. If you're a bona fide student enrolled at least half time, the bill says you can be counted as an eligible household member instead of being pushed into a separate student-only test.
The bill's reach is broader than a typical college bill. It covers students in recognized schools, training programs, and institutions of higher education, so this is also about trade programs and other formal education settings.
It does not create a new SNAP payment amount or set aside a new pot of money. What it changes is the gatekeeping: students would still have to qualify under SNAP's regular income and household rules, but they would no longer face this extra federal disqualification just because they are in school.
If Congress passes it, the change would apply nationwide starting January 2, 2026. USDA and state agencies would then need to update forms, software, and guidance so students are screened under the regular SNAP rules instead of a separate student track.
H.R. 4797 Bill Summary
What H.R. 4797 actually does.
Half-time students can qualify without a separate federal hurdle
H.R. 4797 adds bona fide students enrolled at least half time as an eligible category for SNAP purposes, so student status would no longer trigger a separate federal barrier on its own.
The federal student SNAP ban gets rolled back
The bill removes the federal language that makes many higher-education students ineligible for SNAP unless they satisfy extra student-specific requirements.
The extra student-only test is repealed
H.R. 4797 deletes the part of federal SNAP law that sets separate eligibility rules for students in higher education.
Trade schools and training programs are included
The bill is not limited to four-year colleges. It also covers recognized schools and training programs, as long as the student is enrolled at least half time.
The change would apply nationwide in 2026
Because H.R. 4797 changes federal SNAP law, states would have to follow the new rule if it becomes law. The bill says the change starts January 2, 2026.
Who benefits from H.R. 4797?
Low-income students trying to stay fed while staying enrolled
If you're enrolled at least half time, H.R. 4797 would remove the separate federal student barrier that can block SNAP even when you otherwise qualify.
Community college and four-year college students
Students in higher education would no longer be singled out for an extra federal SNAP test based on enrollment alone.
People in job training and trade programs
The bill explicitly covers recognized training programs and schools, not just traditional colleges, so more career-track students could apply under the regular SNAP rules.
Student households balancing rent, tuition, and groceries
Households that include half-time students could face fewer federal paperwork and eligibility barriers when applying for food assistance.
Who is affected by H.R. 4797?
Students who still do not meet regular SNAP rules
H.R. 4797 removes the separate student-specific restriction, but it does not waive SNAP's normal income, household, and verification requirements.
State SNAP agencies
States would need to update applications, worker guidance, and eligibility systems so students are no longer screened through a separate federal student test.
USDA and federal program administrators
Federal agencies would need to revise manuals, instructions, and compliance materials to reflect the new nationwide rule.
Campus basic-needs offices and financial aid staff
Schools and training programs may need to help students understand that being enrolled at least half time would no longer create a separate federal SNAP barrier under H.R. 4797.
HR4797 Legislative Journey
House: Committee Action
Jul 29, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
About the Sponsor
Jimmy Gomez
Democrat, California's 34th congressional district · 9 years in Congress
Committees: House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Ways and Means
View full profile →
Cosponsors (140)
All 140 cosponsors are Democrats. Cosponsors represent 36 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, and 33 more.
Alma Adams
Democrat · NC
Jim Costa
Democrat · CA
Josh Harder
Democrat · CA
Jimmy Panetta
Democrat · CA
Becca Balint
Democrat · VT
Joyce Beatty
Democrat · OH
Wesley Bell
Democrat · MO
Ami Bera
Democrat · CA
Suzanne Bonamici
Democrat · OR
Brendan Boyle
Democrat · PA
Julia Brownley
Democrat · CA
Nikki Budzinski
Democrat · IL
Cosponsor Coverage Map
Committee Sponsors
Agriculture Committee
13 of 53 committee members cosponsored
11 Democrats across this committee haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
H.R. 4797 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Agriculture
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Agriculture and Food
- Introduced
- Jul 29, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Jul 29, 2025
Official Sources
Official bill status, text, sponsors, and actions for H.R. 4797.
USDA’s official page explaining current SNAP eligibility rules for students in higher education, which this bill would change.
Official USDA overview of regular SNAP eligibility rules, relevant because the bill removes a student-specific restriction but keeps normal income and household rules.
Official U.S. Code access point for the Food and Nutrition Act provisions that H.R. 4797 amends.
Official USDA program page for SNAP, the federal nutrition assistance program affected by the bill.
Official eCFR regulations for SNAP eligibility and administration, useful for understanding the current regulatory framework states follow.
Official USDA resource that helps people find food assistance and SNAP-related help, relevant to students seeking benefits under current or future rules.
Official Education Department guidance connecting students with basic-needs resources, including food assistance information relevant to the bill’s target population.
H.R. 4797 Common Questions
What does H.R. 4797 do for students on SNAP?
It removes the separate federal SNAP restriction that applies to many students. If you're enrolled at least half time, you could apply under the regular SNAP rules instead of a student-only test.
Would college students automatically get SNAP under H.R. 4797?
No. H.R. 4797 removes a student-specific federal barrier, but you would still have to meet SNAP's normal income, household, and verification rules.
Does H.R. 4797 cover trade schools and job training programs too?
Yes. The bill covers bona fide students enrolled at least half time in recognized schools, training programs, and institutions of higher education.
Is half-time enrollment enough under H.R. 4797?
For the student-status part, yes. The bill uses an "at least half time" standard, but you would still need to qualify under SNAP's regular rules.
Does H.R. 4797 create a new SNAP payment for students?
No. It changes who can qualify by removing a federal student restriction. It does not create a separate benefit amount for students.
Would this change SNAP rules nationwide?
Yes. H.R. 4797 changes federal SNAP law, so the rule would apply nationwide if Congress passes it and the president signs it.
When would H.R. 4797 take effect?
The bill says the change would start on January 2, 2026, not immediately after passage.
Has H.R. 4797 passed yet?
No. H.R. 4797 was introduced by Rep. Jimmy Gomez and referred to the House Agriculture Committee. It has not passed Congress.
Based on H.R. 4797 bill text
H.R. 4797 Bill Text
“To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to remove certain eligibility disqualifications that restrict otherwise eligible students enrolled in institutions of higher education from participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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