More than 30 prominent figures from the entertainment industry have signed an open letter urging Congress to reject deep cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.
The letter, published by nonprofit organization Feeding America on June 25, described the proposals as “unacceptable and wrong” while warning that millions of Americans rely on these programs for basic food security and health care. It includes signatures from the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Matt Damon, and former One Direction star Zayn Malik.
Newsweek reached out to Feeding America for comment via its website outside of regular working hours.
Why It Matters
The proposed reductions to SNAP and Medicaid form part of a Republican-led legislative package making its way through Congress, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
If enacted, these cuts could result in millions losing access to food assistance and health care, with an estimated 7.6 million at risk of losing Medicaid coverage and SNAP losing 9.5 billion meals per year.
What To Know
Led by a diverse array of actors, musicians, and entertainment professionals, the open letter urges lawmakers to protect federal food aid and health care for the most vulnerable.
The letter reads: “Food is a beautiful way humans show care, compassion, and love… It’s a fundamental part of the human experience and a basic right we all deserve.”
Andreas Rentz/Cindy Ord/GETTY
Who Signed The Letter?
The full list of signatories is as follows:
- Adina Porter
- Alan Cumming
- Bianca Lawson
- Chrishell Stause
- Connie Britton
- Dan Bucatinsky
- Danai Gurira
- Danielle Brooks
- Daniella Pineda
- David Arquette
- Don Johnson
- Karen Pittman
- Kelvin Beachum
- Kristin Chenoweth
- Lana Parrilla
- Liev Schreiber
- Liza Colón-Zayas
- Matt Damon
- Michael Chiklis
- Michelle Williams
- Minka Kelly
- Nancy Travis
- Paul Scheer
- Ron Pope
- Rosario Dawson
- Ryan Eggold
- Samantha Harris
- Scarlett Johansson
- Sheryl Crow
- Zayn Malik
- Zoey Deutch
Details of Proposed SNAP and Medicaid Cuts
The proposal introduces new work requirements of 80 hours per month for many adult recipients of Medicaid and SNAP, extending to individuals up to age 65. Parents with children over the age of 10 would need to work to remain eligible for food assistance, while those with teenage children would also be subject to the Medicaid work mandate.
It also proposes shifting some of the cost of SNAP benefits to state budgets, which many governors have warned is unaffordable.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the Medicaid changes could cause up to 10.9 million Americans to lose coverage, and new SNAP rules could result in 4 million fewer people having access to food benefits.
The cuts are included as part of a larger effort to offset the costs of making President Donald Trump-era tax cuts permanent.
What Happens Next
Congress is expected to vote on the package in the coming weeks, with a deadline set for July 4.
The Senate is expected to revise several parts of the legislation before holding a final vote. If any changes are approved, the bill will be sent back to the House for another vote.
