This morning, the federal House of Representatives voted to advance a damaging budget blueprint that promises to cut billions of dollars in support to Americans. This comes after the destructive tariffs that the Trump administration instated on imported goods. Here at Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, we are keeping a close eye on issues affecting Oregonian’s access to SNAP and other critical supports, and we can assure you: the tariffs, budget resolution and SNAP cuts are all deeply intertwined. 

Let’s break this down simply, because it’s important to understand what’s really going on. These problematic and chaotic changes are hurting working Americans because Trump has vowed to cut taxes for the uber-wealthy.

Here’s the deal:

👉 Republicans want to extend Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthy.
👉 Now they have to figure out how to pay for them.
👉 And they’re willing to try anything to get there—even if it throws communities into chaos and instability.
👉 That includes raising revenue in ways that hit working families hardest—like tariffs.
👉 They’re also pushing for massive cuts to programs like SNAP and Medicaid—the ones that help families survive.

This is about values—and we need to be honest about what theirs are.

The Tariffs

To extend Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthy, Republicans need to close a giant hole in the budget. And they’re exploring every path they can find—no matter the cost to everyday people.

On April 2nd, Trump instigated 10% tariffs on all imports, with 57 specific countries additionally receiving higher tariffs.

Under that executive order, the Yale Budget Lab estimated that the tariffs would cost the average household $2,100 in 2025.

The tariffs sent shockwaves through the economy—and they didn’t last long. Trump paused them quickly for all but China, increasing tariffs to 125% for that nation, entrenching the trade war with them. The whiplash moves demonstrated that this administration is willing to do anything to get these tax cuts for the wealthy, playing with the lives of struggling people here at home and around the world.

Budget Cuts

At the same time, House Republicans are advancing a second path: deep budget cuts.

The House voted and passed the Senate budget blueprint through this morning, including deep cuts, which paves the way for Trump’s slash and burn agenda to take effect. In an announcement this morning, Speaker Mike Johnson said he is pushing for up to $1.5 trillion in cuts—a staggering jump from the already-damaging $230 billion they were previously targeting. And we already knew they couldn’t get to $230 billion without putting programs like SNAP on the chopping block.

What does $1.5 trillion in cuts mean?

It means they’re coming after:

  • SNAP
  • Medicaid
  • Housing assistance
  • Child nutrition programs
  • And other essential safety net services

They may have backed off tariffs (for now), but the goal hasn’t changed. They’re looking for ways to fund tax breaks for the wealthy. And if one strategy fails, they’ll just come harder for the things our communities depend on.

This isn’t responsible budgeting. It’s cruel policy dressed up in misleading math.

What’s Next in the Budget Process?

The budget resolution has passed both the Senate and the House, but it is still written in broad, categorical terms. Now, the budget is sent to committees to determine the details. The final reconciliation bills could be negotiated and passed in July. If the budget isn’t finalized before summer recess, the process could continue into the fall.

Our Plan Moving Forward

Regardless of the chaos on the federal stage, our work in Oregon doesn’t change: to advocate for equitable and reliable access to food, for all Oregonians. We must work together and organize to block devastating cuts to SNAP. Let’s expose the connection between these cuts and the push to extend tax breaks for the wealthy. And we must remind lawmakers that a truly moral and sustainable budget invest in people, not just profits. 

We call on Congress to change course and prioritize building a strong and stable country, instead of endangering millions of Americans for the benefit of the few.

What You Can Do

  • Contact your members of Congress.
     Tell them: “Don’t pay for tax cuts for the rich by cutting food and health care. We see what you’re doing, and we won’t let it happen.”
  • Share this article with your networks—so more people understand the stakes and the real motivations behind these decisions.