Dear friend, 

Welcome to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.

Last week, we observed National Police Week, a time to remember and honor the law enforcement officers who have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities. Also, I introduced the SNAP Administrator Retention Act of 2025, legislation to increase SNAP employee retention and address staffing shortages.

On Wednesday, the House Committee on Agriculture advanced its budget for the Republican reconciliation bill. This legislation cuts $313 billion from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) to fund tax breaks for billionaires. I voted no on this legislation. My statement on the bill is included below.

I am also sharing the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.

For my full recap, please read below.

Police Week

During National Police Week, we honor and remember members of law enforcement who have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities. Last week, we marked this important occasion.

On Wednesday, I joined my colleagues in passing the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act. This bill requires the Attorney General, in conjunction with various agencies, to submit reports to Congress regarding attacks on police officers, as well as a report on their overall mental health and the resources available to them.

I join communities in the Fifth District and nationwide to thank our law enforcement officers. We are grateful for your service and all you do to keep our nation safe.

House Committee on Agriculture Budget Reconciliation

Last week, the House Committee on Agriculture advanced its budget for the Republican reconciliation bill. The budget cuts $313 billion from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) to fund tax breaks for billionaires.

The House Republican budget resolution (H.Con.Res.14) instructed the House Agriculture Committee to cut a minimum of $230 billion from programs under its jurisdiction, with cuts anticipated to fall entirely under the Nutrition Title, specifically SNAP, which is widely recognized as the most effective anti-poverty initiative in the country. However, the Republican majority on the Committee increased the overall cuts to $313 billion. Additionally, the proposed methods for achieving these cuts include unprecedented state cost-sharing requirements for SNAP, significantly expanding restrictive work requirements, and freezing future updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines benefit levels. These changes are projected to reduce food assistance from vulnerable families substantially and have significant negative consequences across the food supply chain and U.S. agricultural sector.

The passage of this Republican reconciliation bill, with text we received just 24 hours before the markup began, confirms that hunger is a policy choice. This rushed, partisan process has yielded a devastating bill. I have seen attempts to take food from hungry children and families for six years on this Committee. This bill goes further, effectively redefining minors by imposing harsh work requirements on parents of children as young as seven—a cruel policy that seeks to take food away from children.

Democrats submitted 78 amendments for consideration. None were adopted as part of the final bill.

I did not come to Congress to take food out of the mouths of hungry children. I voted no, along with all Democrats on the Committee. It is my hope Republicans will come back to the table and work with Democrats to advance legislation which supports all Americans, not just the wealthy and powerful.

My full statement is available here.

SNAP Administrators Retention Act

Last week, I introduced the SNAP Administrator Retention Act of 2025. This legislation aims to support the employees administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by improving access to needed benefits, promoting competitive wages for administrators, providing adequate training, and preventing backlogs.

Further, the legislation empowers states by fully covering the administrative personnel expenses for hiring and retaining qualified merit staff who manage the SNAP program.  

The staff who administer SNAP are the backbone of this critical program, supporting families as they access vital nutrition assistance and keep food on the table. My bill will provide federal resources to help states retain experienced staff and fill open positions by covering 100 percent of personnel costs and aligning wages with federal standards.

Additional information on the SNAP Administrator Retention Act of 2025 is available here.

Celebrating the 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners 

Please join me in congratulating the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition! 

Our first place winner, Lola V. of Oakville, will have her artwork “Self Image” on display at the United States Capitol to represent CT-05.

“Reflections”, the artwork of our second place winner, Autumn B. of Woodbury will be on display in my Washington, D.C. office. 

“Colorful Hands and Faces” by Isla J. of Bethlehem was awarded third place. You can see Isla’s work on display at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury.

Kelsie H. of Woodbury was awarded fourth place for her artwork, “All Dolled Up.  Kelsie’s artwork will be on display in my Waterbury office.

Congratulations to each of the promising young artists who participated in the competition this year.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Please be assured I will continue to advocate for your priorities.

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress