McCarthy's Debt Limit Plan Sparks Controversy Over Food Aid and Medicaid Work Requirements

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is proposing changes to the federal food stamp program as part of a larger legislative framework to raise the nation's debt limit for one year, while scaling back federal spending. The proposal would increase the number of people who have to show they're working to be eligible to receive help with their groceries, raising the age range from 18-50 to 56. Democrats have criticized the proposal, saying they are not willing to pass any bill that links the debt limit to spending cuts and are particularly critical of efforts to require work requirements for those on assistance programs.