The Senate parliamentarian has dealt a blow to the Republicans’ tax and spending cut bill by advising against a proposal to shift some food stamps costs from the federal government to states, citing a violation of chamber rules. This ruling comes as a setback to GOP savings efforts, with potential savings from the SNAP program expected to help offset the costs of a $4.5 trillion tax breaks plan. While a provision for new work requirements for older Americans receiving food stamp aid remains, the ruling signals trouble for the overall bill.

The multitrillion-dollar package aims to extend tax cuts from Trump’s first term and introduces new ones, including no taxes on tips or overtime pay. To counter lost tax revenue, Republicans are proposing cutbacks to federal programs, including Medicaid and food assistance, while increasing national security spending. The package, as estimated by the Congressional Budget Office, would significantly increase the national deficit and leave millions without health coverage, raising concerns over its impact.

The parliamentarian’s office, enforcing the strict Byrd Rule, found the GOP proposals on food stamp cost-sharing and immigrant eligibility to be in violation. GOP leaders face decisions on revising proposals to comply with rules or risking challenges during voting. Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, continue to voice objections, denouncing the package’s impact on food assistance programs as detrimental.

The parliamentarian’s forthcoming rulings will shape the fate of the bill, with recent setbacks on provisions from various Senate committees. Work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid beneficiaries are included in the bill, underscoring the ongoing debate over the bill’s implications for key social programs.