A group of 13 Texas Democratic members of Congress is asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to investigate the state's growing backlog of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications, which increased from approximately 3,700 in January 2026 to 175,000 by early September.
In a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, led by Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, the lawmakers called for an investigation into Texas' application processing delays, including an examination of contracted vendors and possible federal intervention if the backlog is not addressed.
The members said Texas has failed to consistently meet federal deadlines requiring states to process most SNAP applications within 30 days and expedited applications within seven days.
"Each pending application represents a household that may be without the help it needs to keep food on the table," the lawmakers wrote.
The letter also raised concerns about changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, arguing that expanded work requirements, narrower exemptions and additional state cost-sharing obligations have increased the complexity of SNAP cases and strained processing capacity at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
How large is the backlog?
The lawmakers cited state figures showing the backlog climbed from roughly 3,700 pending applications in January to 175,000 by early September. They also pointed to a decline in Texas' on-time SNAP renewal processing rate, from 83% to 28% in July.
The letter argues that additional federal requirements have made it more difficult for the state to process applications and renewals on schedule.
What are lawmakers asking the USDA to do?
The members requested an investigation into the backlog, including an evaluation of contracted vendors, and federal intervention if Texas does not adequately address the delays. They requested a response from Rollins by Nov. 30, 2026.
The letter also warns that upcoming changes to SNAP financing could create additional pressure on the state. Beginning Oct. 1, 2027, states with payment error rates of at least 6% will be required to contribute toward benefit costs. Texas reported a 9.34% payment error rate for fiscal year 2025, which the lawmakers said could result in an estimated $709 million state obligation.
Separately, the federal share of SNAP administrative costs fell from 50% to 25% on Oct. 1, 2026, shifting more program expenses to states.
