WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - House Republicans are advancing a proposal to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using benefits to buy junk food. The effort, championed by the Trump administration, aims to reduce government spending and promote healthier eating habit s. “We've got an obesity problem, and we need to be looking at all of this as we're realigning the government,” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said. Rollins argues that the initiative fulfills a campaign promise to improve public health while curbing government waste. “Why should a taxpayer be paying for Cokes for young children?” she added. The proposal, initially introduced by Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.) is gaining traction among Republicans on Capitol Hill. It bans options including ice cream, soda, candy, and some desserts. According to Brecheen more than 20% of all federal SNAP spending goes towards the purchase of junk foods and sugary drinks. He says sugary drinks alone make up 10%. “I don't think it's unreasonable,” said Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.), who supports new restrictions. Guest pointed out that SNAP benefits already exclude alcohol and tobacco purchases. However, Democrats oppose the measure, arguing that it could disproportionately harm low-income families with limited access to healthy food options. “According to Secretary Rollins, a mother can't buy a birthday cake for her child using SNAP benefits,” said Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.). Hayes criticized the plan, saying it fails to consider families facing food insecurity. “If you are living in a shelter, if you don’t have adequate cooking facilities, then your benefits are no good to you,” Hayes said. “If you don’t have a grocery store in your community that has all of these options and choices, then again, your benefits are no good to you. Secretary Rollins is not looking for real solutions to this problem.” If enough Republicans rally behind the proposal, the restrictions could be included in a broader GOP bill expected to reach the president’s desk this spring. ...read more read less