Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, told Newsmax on Wednesday he is not giving up on his amendment that would ban recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from buying soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages.
A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, including 55 House Republicans, joined Democrats last week to block an effort to prohibit SNAP recipients from using food benefits to purchase sugary sodas in a 238-186 vote.
The move triggered sharp criticism from conservatives and health advocates who are decrying the $9 billion of SNAP funds spent each year on sodas — representing 10% of the program’s total budget and the top food item purchased.
“This was a very bipartisan amendment,” Self told “Finnerty,” noting 29 Democrats joined with 156 Republicans and one independent in support of the measure.
“Twenty-nine Democrats joined with us for a Trump first America First movement,” Self added.
“This amendment supports the America First agenda coming out of the administration. It was a very simple vote,” he said.
More than 40 million low-income Americans use SNAP.
The Texas congressman noted SNAP recipients are prohibited from buying alcohol and tobacco.
Self said he expects to file the amendment again soon as a standalone bill, noting $9 billion in SNAP funds are spent on soda.
“Many SNAP recipients are also on Medicaid,” Self said.