Feeding Families Not Fear Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 18, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to reverse two key provisions of a previous law, shifting federal funds away from ICE enforcement and restoring federal support for food assistance programs.
What it actually does
This bill repeals specific sections of Public Law 119-21 that increased appropriations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and rescinds any unobligated balances from those appropriations. Concurrently, it repeals the subtitle of Public Law 119-21 that reduced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, thereby restoring SNAP benefits to their levels prior to that reduction.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill corrects harmful policies enacted in Public Law 119-21 by reallocating funds from what they view as excessive immigration enforcement to essential food assistance for vulnerable families. They contend that increased ICE appropriations contribute to family separation and community fear, while reduced SNAP benefits exacerbate food insecurity and poverty. This bill prioritizes human needs over enforcement.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that the previous law's increased ICE funding was necessary for border security and interior enforcement, and that rescinding it would undermine national security and immigration control efforts. They might also contend that restoring SNAP benefits to previous levels is fiscally irresponsible or disincentivizes work, potentially leading to increased federal spending without addressing underlying economic issues.
The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, making it very accessible for a quick read and understanding of its direct effects.
Section 2(a)
Rescission of ICE Funding
This provision eliminates specific funding increases previously allocated to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Public Law 119-21. It also mandates that any money from those repealed appropriations that has not yet been spent must be returned to the Treasury, effectively reducing ICE's budget.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this rescission redirects funds from an agency that they believe has been overfunded and has engaged in harmful practices, allowing for a more humane approach to immigration and freeing up resources for other priorities.
Critics contend
Critics would contend that reducing ICE funding compromises national security, border integrity, and the ability to enforce immigration laws effectively, potentially leading to an increase in unauthorized immigration.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances concerns about immigration enforcement and national security against humanitarian considerations and the allocation of federal resources to other social programs.
Section 2(b)
Reversal of SNAP Benefit Reductions
This provision repeals the part of Public Law 119-21 that cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. By doing so, it restores SNAP benefit levels and eligibility rules to what they were before those reductions were enacted, aiming to increase food security for eligible households.