What does Preamble of S 3958 do?

This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. The stated purpose is to transition Puerto Rico to the supplemental nutrition assistance program. The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 2, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of S 3958 do?

This bill is formally titled the "Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act".

What does AMENDMENTS TO THE FOOD AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2008. of S 3958 do?

This section amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. It modifies definitions within Section 3 of the Act to include Puerto Rico. It adjusts the thrifty food plan cost calculations for Hawaii, Alaska (urban and rural parts), and Puerto Rico. It amends Section 5 of the Act to include Puerto Rico in various eligibility categories and provisions. Specific changes involve inserting 'Puerto Rico' into subsections (b), (c)(1), (e)(1)(A), and (e)(6)(B) of Section 5.

What does SUBMISSION OF PLAN OF OPERATION; TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE; of S 3958 do?

This section outlines the process for Puerto Rico to transition to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Upon designation, Puerto Rico has 180 days to submit a plan of operation to the Secretary of Agriculture, including a transition plan to SNAP. The Secretary of Agriculture is required to provide technical assistance to Puerto Rico upon request during the 180-day submission period. The Secretary must approve the plan if it meets the requirements for a SNAP State plan within 180 days of receiving it. If the plan is disapproved, the Secretary must provide a statement specifying the unmet requirements within 30 days. Upon approval, the Secretary must certify to Congress that Puerto Rico qualifies to participate in SNAP as a State within 90 days.

What does TRANSITION FROM THE CONSOLIDATED BLOCK GRANT FOR PUERTO RICO. of S 3958 do?

This section concerns the transition from the Consolidated Block Grant for Puerto Rico. The Secretary may continue implementing the most recent approved consolidated block grant for a period ending five years after the Act's effective date, or until the Secretary determines Puerto Rico no longer needs the grant for transition. The Secretary must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the operation of the continued plan, including information on funding increases related to transitioning Puerto Rico to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

What does CONSOLIDATED BLOCK GRANT FOR PUERTO RICO AND AMERICAN SAMOA. of S 3958 do?

This section amends Section 19 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2028). Amendments are made to subsections (a) and (b) of this section. The amendments introduce time limitations linked to 'the period described in section 4(a) of the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act'. Paragraph (2)(A) of subsection (a) is modified to include a clause regarding adjustments to the aggregate amount specified in clause (i) based on the thrifty food plan. Subparagraph (B)(i) of subsection (a) also receives an insertion referencing the same period. Subparagraph (C) of subsection (a) is revised to specify the use of funds for American Samoa's nutrition assistance program. Paragraph (3) of subsection (a) is amended to include a time limitation. Subsection (b)(1)(A) is modified to include a time limitation for receiving payments.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of S 3958 do?

This section authorizes appropriations to carry out the Act. The authorized sums are to be appropriated until the end of the period described in section 4(a).

What does EFFECTIVE DATES. of S 3958 do?

This Act generally takes effect on the date of its enactment. Certain amendments made by this Act take effect 10 years after the date of enactment.

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Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act — S. 3958

Last updated: 3/2/2026 · Introduced: 3/2/2026

Author: Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to transition Puerto Rico to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by modifying definitions and eligibility categories.
Puerto Rico must submit a plan of operation to the Secretary of Agriculture within 180 days of designation, and the Secretary will provide technical assistance and approve the plan if it meets SNAP State plan requirements.
The bill allows for a continued Consolidated Block Grant for Puerto Rico for up to five years or until the transition to SNAP is complete, and authorizes appropriations to support this transition.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 5168(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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