Become a Member

Author: Elaine Hurd

Horsford: Republicans Shut Down the Government They’re Supposed to be Running

THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM CONGRESSMAN STEVEN HORSFORD

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) released the following statement as Congressional Republicans failed to fund the federal government despite having unified control of the House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and the White House.

This marks the first government shutdown since 2018, when Republican majorities in the House and Senate shuttered federal agencies for 34 days during Donald Trump’s first term as president, costing the U.S. economy $8 billion according to the Congressional Budget Office.

“Republicans were elected to run our government – instead, they just ran it into the ground,” Rep. Horsford said. “Federal services have stopped; federal employees aren’t being paid; and yet another opportunity to protect healthcare for millions of Americans was completely ignored.

“Nevadans pay their taxes and deserve to get their money’s worth, regardless of which party is in charge,” Horsford continued. “But blanket tariffs, healthcare cuts, and tax hikes were already taking a heavy toll on our state, before this shutdown. My constituents are right to question how any of these policies help them, or how a government shutdown is in anyone’s best interest.

“The concerning truth is this administration and its allies in Congress seem to want this shutdown,” Horsford added. “The same president who fired tens of thousands of federal employees just shuttered the federal government entirely. And the same Congressional Republicans who passed a law cutting healthcare for millions of Americans just cancelled votes rather than working with Democrats to keep more Americans insured.

“The last time there was a government shutdown was in 2018 when Donald Trump was in the White House and Republicans controlled the House and the Senate,” Horsford said. “Seven years later, we are in another government shutdown with Donald Trump in the White House and Republicans in control of the House and Senate. The pattern is clear.

“My constituents deserve better. Their constituents deserve better. Federal employees deserve better. And our country deserves better.”

Rep. Horsford launched a site page on his website for constituents to receive timely updates on how the government shutdown is impacting them.

More information is available here.

Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Charlie Kirk Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

“Violence has no place in our politics, whether it is the murder of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, or the killing of Charlie Kirk. We must unequivocally reject violence in all its forms. Too many times in our nation’s history, political differences have turned to violence – violence that our community, in particular, knows too well from the assassinations of Black leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Medger Evers, and Fred Hampton, among other“At the same time, we must condemn violence without abandoning our right to speak out against ideas that are inconsistent with our values as Americans. We strongly disagree with many of the beliefs Charlie Kirk promoted: including his belief that the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which ended racial segregation, was a mistake; his denial that systemic racism exists; his promotion of the Great Replacement theory; and his offensive claims about Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Michelle Obama, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee lacking adequate cognitive ability.

“The resolution introduced in the House to honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy is not about healing, lowering the temperature of our political discourse, or even ensuring the safety of members of Congress, staff, and Capitol personnel. It is, unfortunately, an attempt to legitimize Kirk’s worldview — a worldview that includes ideas many Americans find racist, harmful, and fundamentally un-American.

“In the wake of this tragedy, President Trump has senselessly threatened to go after the political left. The American people are tired of this kind of cynical politics. It’s disheartening to see a tragedy used to further divide the country and suppress honest debate. As the conscience of the Congress, the CBC has a responsibility to speak out against this on behalf of our communities, and we are calling on each of our colleagues who share our values to follow suit.

Enough is enough.”

As Nevadans Suffer the Consequences of Lombardo’s First Term, His Reelection Campaign Launch FLOPS 

This is a press released issued by the Nevada Democratic Party
September 16, 2025
“Do you think Governor Lombardo deserves a second term? So far, a majority of those participating say no.” – KSNV
Joe Lombardo decided to launch his doomed bid for reelection while Nevadans are still recovering from the worst cyberattack in Nevada history. Lombardo’s record is clear: worst-in-the-nation unemployment rates, a growing housing crisis, and sky-high costs. 

Despite making unemployment a central part of his 2022 campaign, Nevada’s unemployment rates are now higher than when Lombardo took office in 2023. While home prices in Las Vegas outpace the rest of the country, Lombardo vetoed affordable housing legislation as foreclosure and eviction rates have risen to historic levels.

Lombardo failed to answer for his broken promises and Nevadans cannot afford another four years under his disastrous leadership.

Lombardo refuses to stand up against Trump’s damaging policies, even saying that Nevadans should be “excited” about the Republican spending bill that will cut health care for over 115,000 Nevadans and that they should “feel a little pain” from Trump’s tariffs. Although Lombardo tried to pretend Trump didn’t exist last night, Lombardo will have to answer for his ongoing embrace of the president’s cost-raising agenda that is leaving Nevadans behind. 

Here’s what people are saying about Lombardo’s doomed bid for reelection: 

On the Airwaves
 
Alyssa Deitsch, KVVU: “Nevada State Democrats were ready for Lombardo’s reelection announcement […] business owners also spoke out about their struggles as tourism falls and the price of many goods increases. ”
 
Tom Durian, KVVU: “Earlier today, Nevada senator Dina Neal held a press conference criticizing how governor Lombardo has been leading Nevada, she criticized his numerous vetoes, including one bill that would limit corporate investors from buying up property in the state.” 
 
Senator Dina Neal, KSNV: “Nevadans can’t afford another four years under Lombardo’s leadership, the jobless rates have worsened, and we’re at the highest in the nation, and we are grappling with the cyberattack that just happened in Nevada. Nevada is also facing one of the highest housing crises” 

In Print

Las Vegas Sun: Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo launches reelection campaignNevada Democrats had their own counterprogramming Monday morning before Lombardo’s announcement. State Sen. Dina Neal, D-North Las Vegas, said the state couldn’t take another four years of Lombardo at the wheel, citing the state’s housing crisis and high unemployment rate. 
 “Take it from Lombardo himself,” Nevada Young Dems President Sierra Hernandez said at Mothership Coffee’s downtown shop. “He said, ‘The unemployment rate hasn’t gotten better.’ If that’s the case, why does he deserve to stay in office?”

Mothership Coffee CEO Juanny Romero also drew attention to how President Donald Trump’s trade war has affected Nevada, saying it’s driving Las Vegas’ depressed tourism numbers. At the same time Romero is seeing reduced traffic, coffee prices are shooting up, she said.

KTNV: Gov. Lombardo announces his reelection campaign for 2026National and state Democrats, however, criticized Lombardo, with a news release from the Nevada State Democratic Party calling his candidacy “doomed.”
 “Joe Lombardo hasn’t offered a single serious solution to make life affordable for Nevadans,” said Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, in a statement. “Under his failed leadership, costs are up, tourism is plummeting, unemployment has gotten worse and is among the highest in the nation, and Nevada still hasn’t fully recovered from the worst cyberattack in state history

The statement goes on to criticize Lombardo for his record number of vetoes, including bills on prescription drugs, housing and school meals.
 “Lombardo’s record is clear and Nevadans can’t afford another four years of broken promises and sky-high costs,” the statement says. “Democrats are building an unmatched ground game and remain laser-focused on the issues that matter most to hardworking families and together, we will make Lombardo a one-term governor.”

Nevada Independent: Joe Lombardo launches re-election bid for Nevada governorThe economy will also be central to Democrats’ messaging. They have criticized Lombardo’s response to the megabill, which includes cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, accusing him of being silent on policies that harm Nevadans. They have also blamed Lombardo and Trump for Vegas’ struggling economy, which has seen a notable drop in visitation this year in what some experts attribute to a decrease in international travel because of Trump’s trade policies. 

Recent Democratic polling found weak numbers on the state of Nevada’s economy, as well as Lombardo’s support of Trump. The Cook Political Report has dubbed the gubernatorial race a “toss up” — one of five contests with that designation.Fox News: Republican governor targeted by Democrats launches re-election bid in key battlegroundThe DGA argued that Lombardo “twists himself into knots trying to defend his disastrous agenda that has left Nevada’s working families and small businesses behind.”

The Nevada Democratic Party tied Lombardo to President Donald Trump, slamming the governor for what they charged was his “embrace of Trump’s reckless policies, all of which have led to worst-in-the-nation unemployment rates, a growing housing crisis, and sky-high costs.” 

https://nvdems.com/as-nevadans-suffer-the-consequences-of-lombardos-first-term-his-reelection-campaign-launch-flops/

So What’s The Real Story?

We don’t know that much about the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk, 22-year old Utah resident Tyler Robinson. But there sure is a lot of hyperbole and questionable information flying around.

Before buying into the finger pointing, let’s recap who has been responsible for recent political assassinations and attempts:

All Trump Supporters:

Alleged assassin of Minnesota Democratic state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband who were shot in their home.

Alleged arsonist who set fire to the mansion of the Democratic Governor of Pennsylvanian as Josh Shapiro and his family were sleeping.

Alleged killer of the son of Obama-appointed Judge Esther Salas. (gunman committed suicide).

January 6 insurgents who attacked and Capitol and wanted to hang Mike Pence. (video of attack and picture of the noose is available online).

The men convicted of trying to kidnap and kill Democratic governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer.

The man who was convicted of sending pipe bombs to the homes of Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

The man who was convicted of trying to kidnap Nancy Pelosi and assaulted her husband, Paul Pelosi, with a hammer in their home.

That’s a pretty impressive list of Trump supporters who have carried out attacks.

Watch Keith Edwards who dropped this podcast within the last hour. He is looking into the background of Tyler Robinson. It appears he too has been a Trump supporter.

After Cyberattack Hamstrings Emergency Services and Nevadans’ Labor Day Travel Plans, Lombardo Waits Five Days to Address Public

Press Release Issued by the Nevada Democratic Party on August 29, 2025

While Nevadans still can’t access essential services like applying for food benefits and renewing vehicle registrations, Joe Lombardo was sipping wine with campaign donors. Despite Lombardo making his law enforcement background his entire campaign, he couldn’t face Nevadans as Nye County police were unable to dispatch state police officers when residents called 911. While this partial government shutdown drags on and Nevadans’ Labor Day plans are disrupted, Lombardo continues to prove over and over that he is unfit to lead the state in crisis.   

Here’s the rundown of the last six days: After hackers stole Nevada state data, Lombardo ditched his own press conference on the cyberattack for a campaign event, prompting widespread backlash about his lack of leadership in this statewide crisis. Then, Lombardo tried to do damage control, holding another press conference less than 24 hours later to paper over his absence. Instead of reassuring Nevadans about this massive data breach, No Show Joe spent the press conference trying to defend his absence and dodging questions. After throwing a temper tantrum at the podium, Lombardo fled to a county club for another campaign event and Nevadans still have zero answers on what happened and when many key essential services will reopen.  

Here’s what people are saying about Lombardo’s lack of leadership during this dangerous cyberattack:

Print

Fox Reno: Gov. Lombardo hosts press conference on cyber attack after missing Wednesday’s conference

Fox 5 Vegas: Was personal information stolen? Nevada Governor discusses cyberattack for first time publicly

ABC 13: We brought your worries about the cyberattack affecting state services directly to Gov. Joe Lombardo

Las Vegas Review-Journal: Sluggish outlook may lead to drop in Labor Day weekend visits to Las Vegas

Las Vegas Review-Journal: Nevada governor defends absence, calls cyberattack his most serious crisis

ABC 13: Gov. Lombardo defends handling of Nevada cyberattack crisis

3 News: What could be the political fallout from Lombardo’s press conference absence?

Nevada Current: Cyber attack briefing: Data taken ‘out of network’; lots of assurances; few details; and no governor

Nevada Independent: Nevada targeted in ransomware attack; some data taken out of state, officials say 

On the Airwaves

Abel Garcia, Channel 13: “Governor Joe Lombardo facing criticism from a local grassroots group”

Latoya Simon, Channel 3: “One of the questions that people have been asking, is ‘where has Governor Lombardo been during the cyber incident,’ including why he didn’t attend the news conference yesterday in Carson City?”

Nevada Resident Manuel Santamaria, Channel 3: “He should have been there. It’s his priority as the governor of the state of Nevada. This isn’t the biggest state in terms of population. You would think that he has enough of his own time to give to everybody. So I believe his excuses were poor. He should always have that in front of mind, right? Always be out front helping the people of Nevada. And he’s failed to do that time and time again.” 

Nye County Sheriff Joe McGill, Fox 5 News: “The dispatchers are having to take as brief of notes as they possibly can in handwriting on a piece of paper, dispatch the unit, they’re having to keep track on another piece of paper of where their units are. It absolutely is an officer safety issue. … Our computer-aided dispatch system shows the GPS location based on the computer in the car. We don’t have that right now. If somebody were to come on the air and scream, I need help, they don’t know where they are.”

Nevada Resident, Channel 3: “I was coming to get food stamps for me and my kids, but the office, I guess their system is down.” 

On Social

@ralstonreports: So they held a presser on 4-day-old massive hack of NV government, gave almost no new info and the gov was not there:

“During the question portion….state officials would not provide additional facts that were not already stated in prepared remarks.”

@howardstutz: Lombardo doesn’t want to answer any more questions about his absence at the Wednesday presser:
“I’m here taking care of business, and it never swayed for my responsibility as your governor. This press conference is to provide our current situation.”

@SteveSebelius: Gov. @JosephMLombardo on Thursday defended his handling of the cyber attack against the state, saying he’s been involved in the response since the start despite skipping a Wednesday news conference in Carson City.

@BattleBornProg: While government services are still offline and Nevadans want answers to the cyberattack on our data, Joe Lombardo thinks wine tasting with big business is more important. #NoShowJoe

Horsford on DOGE Misuse of Social Security Data: Not surprising, but Shocking Nonetheless

Press release issued by Congressman Steven Horsford on August 26, 2025

LAS VEGAS – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) responded today to whistle-blower allegations that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), posted a highly sensitive Social Security database to a vulnerable cloud server, placing the personal information of hundreds of thousands of Americans at risk of being leaked or hacked.

Congressman Horsford, who sits on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, led his Democratic colleagues in a Resolution of Inquiry (ROI) on April 10 demanding all documents related to DOGE-driven cuts, closures, and staff reductions at the Social Security Administration.

Rather than address Horsford’s concerns and uphold Congressional oversight responsibilities, Speaker Johnson and Congressional Republicans in April paused all ROIs through September 30, 2025.

Rep. Horsford released the following statement:

“It’s not surprising that the cabal who executed the largest data breach in American history has left the sensitive information they stole vulnerable to cyber criminals,” Rep. Horsford said. “But it’s shocking nevertheless to think that this is happening with the President’s blessing and Congressional Republican capitulation.”

The news comes just weeks after the Elon Musk-run pseudo federal agency which claimed to target wasteful government spending, was found to have squandered nearly $22 billion in taxpayer money.

“The time for accountability is right now,” Horsford continued. “I’m calling on Speaker Johnson and Congressional Republicans to stop their obstruction and join Democrats in demanding oversight. This administration has placed my constituents’ most sensitive information in harm’s way – they owe every Nevadan, and every single American, an explanation as to why.”

Rep. Horsford, who is Nevada’s only lawmaker on the House Ways and Means Committee, represents nearly 150,000 Social Security recipients in Nevada’s 4th Congressional District. 

He has been an outspoken critic on the Trump Administration’s efforts to end Social Security as the American people know it.

February 25, 2025
Rep. Horsford spoke out when DOGE targeted a Social Security office in Las Vegas for closure without warning local leaders. The administration has since retreated from the planned closure. 

March 5, 2025

Rep. Horsford co-led the Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act, which would prevent the Trump Administration from closing Social Security Administration offices. 

March 19, 2025

Rep. Horsford raised an alarm about Trump administration plans in a leaked memo from SSA Acting Deputy Commissioner Doris Diaz that would significantly hamper operations and prevent people from applying for or receiving benefits. The memo suggested that applicants who cannot verify their identity with the SSA’s online system should visit a local field office in person, ending the opportunity for these individuals to apply for, or update, benefits over the phone. 

April 10, 2025

Rep. Horsford led Ways and Means Committee Democrats in introducing a Resolution of Inquiry (ROI) requesting all documents and copies, records, audio recordings, memorandum, and more to the House of Representatives relating to backdoor benefit cuts that President Trump and Elon Musk enacted against the Social Security Administration, including requirements to apply for benefits in person, closing field and hearing offices, and reductions to SSA staff. 

Video of Rep. Horsford’s comments is available here.

June 25, 2025

Rep. Horsford questioned Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano on Trump administration efforts to close SSA offices and roll back earned benefits. During his questioning, Rep. Horsford asked whether Commissioner Bisignano would work to ensure all field offices are not only fully operational, but also better staffed, more efficient, and equipped to meet the growing needs of the public. Bisignano, who was visibly and audibly noncommittal throughout his testimony, said yes only after Horsford demanded a yes or no answer.

Video of Rep. Horsford’s interactions with SSA Commissioner Bisignano is available here.

Horsford on Inspecting Pahrump ICE Facility: Congressional Oversight is Never Optional

This Is A Press Release Issued by Congressman Steven Horsford

LAS VEGAS – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) on Tuesday conducted Congressional oversight of the Nevada Southern Detention Center (NSDC), a privately-owned facility managed by CoreCivic under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Pahrump, Nevada.

Horsford’s inspection came three weeks after he was denied entry to the same facility, and on the same day he sent a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security requesting an investigation into the incident.

“The Constitution is clear, and so are our laws – Congressional oversight is never optional,” Rep. Horsford said. “I am concerned that the Department of Homeland Security neglected its obligations when I initially tried to visit this facility. Based on conversations I had with detainees today, I’m also concerned that DHC used the past three weeks to make improvements before I arrived.

“I spoke with nine detainees today, and what they shared with me is deeply concerning,” Horsford continued. “Medical treatment can take weeks; detainees do not have reliable access to immigration attorneys or resources; and many have been moved across state lines in the dead of night without advanced notice or understanding of where they were going.

“What I saw today underscores the importance of Congressional oversight,” Horsford added. “It speaks to why administration officials must honor our Constitution, and why Members of Congress must fight to protect our authority. That is why I requested an investigation from the House Appropriations Committee today, and I look forward to working with the Committee to uphold our laws and our Constitution.”

Alarming footage highlighted in Horsford’s letter shows the facility warden refusing entry to the lawmaker and his staff, and labeling them, “security risks”. On-site staff went so far as to call law enforcement on the Congressman.

Horsford’s letter asks, in part, for an investigation into the Department of Homeland Security’s noncompliance on his previous visit, and for the committee to, “consider appropriate corrective actions, including the potential conditioning of future appropriations to ensure full adherence to Congressional oversight obligations as outlined under federal law.”

By law, no Member of Congress is required to give advanced notice to inspect an ICE facility.  Every appropriations package since 2020 explicitly states that funds cannot be used to prevent a member of Congress “from entering, for the purpose of conducting oversight, any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security used to detain or otherwise house aliens.” 

Text of Rep. Horsford’s letter is available here.

Horsford, Nevada Dems to Trump Admin: Address Barriers to ‘No Tax on Tips’

This is a press release issued by Congressman Horsford on August 13, 2025

North Las Vegas – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) today joined U.S. Senators Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Rosen (D-NV) and Representatives Titus (NV-01) and Lee (NV-03) in sending a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary and Acting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Scott Bessent calling on the Trump Administration to address barriers in implementation of the ‘No Tax on Tips’ provisions that would hurt tipped workers in Nevada.

Horsford previously led Reps. Titus and Lee in a letter to Secretary Bessent on July 25 (attached) requesting that Treasury enact safeguards to prevent waste, fraud and abuse, and urging the list of eligible occupations include traditionally and customarily tipped industries like cosmetology, hospitality, food and beverage service, parking attendants, and custodial services.

In today’s letter, the lawmakers wrote, in part:

“As you know, H.R. 1, an Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14, provided that certain taxpayers may take a deduction of up to $25,000 annually to reduce or eliminate taxable income on tipped wages. This proposal closely models legislation introduced or cosponsored by Nevada lawmakers in both the House and Senate. As you know, Nevadans rely on tips more than any other state in the nation and tax relief has been a critical bipartisan priority. Given our work on proposals related to Section 70201, we would like to highlight the following issues for the Department of Treasury in order to ensure the successful implementation of this provision for our constituents and tipped workers across the country.”

Specifically, the Members call on the administration to:

  • Provide withholding as soon as practicable to ensure taxpayers feel tax relief this year
  • Maintain Gaming Industry Tip Compliance Agreements (GITCA) and related programs
  • Provide the ability for employees under a GITCA to take the tips deduction based on their tip rate if they choose
  • Include as eligible for the deduction tips from transactions with auto-gratuities or suggested tip amounts
  • Allow married individuals who file with a SSN on a joint return to be eligible for the deduction, regardless of the filing method of their spouse and allow up to $50,000 in deductions for married couples
  • Provide maximum clarity for filers regarding how to determine what occupation they serve in and how to determine eligibility for the deduction
  • Issue regulations that allow the ability of performing artists to use the deduction when their occupation otherwise has traditionally received tips

Read the full letter here.

Rep. Horsford is the author of the TIPS Act, which is the strongest proposal in Congress to protect tipped workers from taxes.

As the House of Representatives considered H.R. 1, Horsford repeatedly called for robust protections for tips, including a letter to Speaker Johnson urging him to make the proposal bipartisan.

Nevadans Losing Food Stamps

THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NEVADA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Wednesday, Jul. 30, 2025
The Nevada Independent: 1 in 6 Nevadans Get Food Stamps. Many May Lose Benefits Under Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’

“In a state with increasing food insecurity, more than 130,000 food stamp recipients will have their eligibility reevaluated”
Last week, reporting from the Nevada Independent showed how Trump and Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” will result in hundreds of thousands of families in Nevada either losing SNAP food benefits or seeing cuts to them. According to the article, Republican cuts to the program, made in an effort to offset tax cuts that are “primarily for the highest earners”, will mean “more Nevadans are going hungry”. 

One in six Nevadans, roughly 500,000 people, rely on the SNAP program and an estimated “265,000 families could lose all or some of their benefits, with 85,000 families facing at least $25 in monthly benefit losses”. According to the chief operations and strategy officer for Three Square, Nevada’s largest food bank, this will result in “kids having fewer meals, seniors literally having to skip dinner and ration more than they already do and then families that are working so many jobs and can barely make ends meet already.” 

Further, the article details how the Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” will downshift tens of millions of dollars in additional costs to Nevada’s state budget. Under the bill, the state will have to cover between $50 million and $150 million of SNAP benefits costs annually, in addition to tens of millions of dollars more to cover the program’s administrative costs. According to one expert, that “will make it harder for the state to run the program effectively, which could result in higher error rates that will force Nevada to cover some of the benefit costs.”

Despite the immense harm the bill will do to Nevadans, Joe Lombardo has on multiple occasions praised the bill, saying both that Nevadans should be “excited” by it and thanking Speaker Mike Johnson for coming to Nevada to try to sell the bill. 

Read more below:

The Nevada Independent: 1 in 6 Nevadans get food stamps. Many may lose benefits under Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill.’
 The “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month is likely to upend the food assistance program that serves 1 in 6 Nevadans, with expanded work requirements threatening thousands of recipients’ eligibility and the state expected to shoulder more of the program’s administrative costs.

The legislation cuts nationwide food stamp funding by about $186 billion through 2034, or a fifth of the total federal dollars allocated to the program. Its inclusion is an effort to offset some of the costs of extending tax cuts that will result in lower taxes across all income brackets, but primarily for the highest earners.

Food stamps, officially referred to as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provide cash assistance for low-income individuals to buy food at certain retailers. Although the full impact of the cuts have yet to be fully assessed by the state, early indications are that the bill will result in hundreds of thousands of Nevada families losing or seeing a reduction in their benefits.

Changes made in the bill will have far-ranging results: The eligibility of more than 130,000 Nevadans could be in doubt because of changes to work requirements, benefit amounts are less likely to increase over time, and the state will have to cover more administrative costs, which researchers say will result in less attention directed toward rooting out errors in the program.

About 500,000 Nevadans participate in the program, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The average Nevada household on SNAP received $166 in monthly benefits, amounting to about $6 daily and $2,000 annually, according to an analysis from the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The Urban Institute, an economic think tank, estimated that 265,000 families in Nevada could lose all or some of their benefits, with 85,000 families facing at least $25 in monthly benefit losses.

The bill has resulted in significant angst from officials focused on eliminating hunger in the Silver State — and it’s come at potentially the worst possible time. Inflation remains stubbornly high, the Trump administration has already cut certain food programs, food banks across the state have reported increasing demand in recent months and a surge in federal pandemic aid that expanded SNAP and other food programs is drying up.

All of it means more Nevadans are going hungry.
 Segler from Three Square added that “this is taking [recipients’] livelihood away.” “The things I think about are kids having fewer meals, seniors literally having to skip dinner and ration more than they already do and then families that are working so many jobs and can barely make ends meet already,” she said.

The federal government has always fully funded SNAP benefits, leaving implementation to the states. But under the new law, states could have to shoulder some of the food costs.

States with a payment error rate above 6 percent — meaning there was either underpayment or overpayment on at least 6 percent of benefit payouts — would be required to cover between 5 percent and 15 percent of total benefit costs starting in 2028. In fiscal year 2024, Nevadans received about $1 billion in benefits, so Nevada would need to pay between $50 million and $150 million if the error rate is too high.

Still, no matter the error rates, Nevada and other states will have to foot more of the administrative costs.

Previously, the federal government reimbursed half of the dollars tied to food stamp administration, but beginning in fiscal year 2027, states will have to cover 75 percent of the costs.

In fiscal year 2025, the projected administrative cost to the state was about $83 million, which the state will pay half of, according to Muessle, the state spokesperson, but the state’s payment would have increased by about $20 million under the new model. Muessle said that the administrative cost for fiscal year 2026 is expected to be about $100 million.

Plata-Nino added that this will make it harder for the state to run the program effectively, which could result in higher error rates that will force Nevada to cover some of the benefit costs.

McDonough, the UNLV economist, added that the implications of the bill go beyond “whether people have empty stomachs.” “It’s really about potential rising health care costs stemming from these externalities, students struggling in school, lost productivity in the workplace, and then just putting sort of these community partnership programs, food banks under real financial strain,” he said.