By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
As the House debated the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567), North Texas Congressman Keith Self cast a series of votes that provide a clearer picture of his positions on food assistance, agriculture, and federal policy.
The final bill passed 224–200, with Self voting in favor. But a series of amendment votes—covering SNAP benefits, agricultural regulation, and industry-specific provisions—offer a more detailed look at how those positions take shape.
SNAP: Soda Restrictions and Hot Food Access
Votes affecting how SNAP benefits can be used were among the most closely watched during debate.
Rep. Keith Self has consistently emphasized that SNAP benefits should not be used to purchase soda. During consideration of the farm bill, he introduced an amendment to prohibit those purchases, which failed on a recorded vote of 186–238.
He also voted against an amendment allowing SNAP benefits to be used for hot prepared foods, such as rotisserie chicken. That measure passed 384–35 with broad bipartisan support.
The votes come at a time when food prices, including beef and prepared grocery items, remain elevated across North Texas, shaping how households manage grocery budgets and use food assistance.
Evan Hunt, a Democratic candidate challenging Self in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, said he would approach those decisions differently.
“SNAP has a proven return on investment. I think SNAP should be practical, not micromanaged,” Hunt said. “If a working parent, a senior, or someone without reliable kitchen access can buy a hot rotisserie chicken, that is common sense.”
On the soda restriction, Hunt added, “I support healthier choices, but I don’t think Washington should manage poor families’ grocery carts item by item. If we want better nutrition, expand incentives for fruits, vegetables, and locally produced food. Use SNAP to strengthen local grocers, farmers, and food producers, not just punish people at checkout.”
Pesticides and Accountability
On agricultural regulation, Self voted in favor of removing pesticide liability protections from the bill. The provision, which passed 280–142, removed language that would have shielded manufacturers from certain lawsuits.
Hunt said he sees that issue as one of accountability.
“Farmers need clear rules, but corporations should not get blanket immunity if people are harmed,” he said. “Accountability matters.”
Greyhound Racing Amendment Draws Attention
During consideration of the bill, Rep. Keith Self voted in favor of an amendment that sought to exempt greyhound racing operations in West Virginia from broader restrictions included in the legislation. The amendment ultimately did not pass.
The vote came alongside amendments addressing how SNAP benefits can be used and other agriculture-related policies, reflecting the range of issues considered as part of the bill.
Evan Hunt pointed to that vote when discussing priorities.
“Greyhound racing in West Virginia is exactly the kind of thing that makes people wonder what Congress is focused on,” Hunt said. “TX-03 families are worried about food costs, schools, healthcare, water, infrastructure, and local agriculture.”
Other Votes on Agriculture and Energy
Self’s votes also included several additional policy areas.
He voted in favor of rolling back federal livestock tracking requirements, including rules requiring electronic identification (EID) tags for cattle and bison. He also voted against expanding support for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience research, which passed 233–194, and against expanding the definition of renewable biomass under federal fuel standards, a proposal tied to energy policy and agricultural materials.
He also supported his own amendment during consideration of the bill, though it did not pass.
What the Votes Show
Self supported the overall farm bill but opposed changes that would expand how SNAP benefits can be used, while backing efforts to place limits on certain purchases. His votes also included support for changes to agricultural regulations and opposition to some sustainability-related measures.
Hunt offered a broader critique of the overall approach.
“Taken together, these votes show misplaced priorities,” he said. “My approach would be simple: less culture-war micromanagement, more practical help for families, farmers, and local industry.”
What It Means for TX-03
For residents of Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, which includes much of Collin County, the votes touch on several areas with direct and indirect local impact.
Changes to SNAP policy can influence how households use food assistance as grocery prices remain elevated. Agricultural and regulatory votes—including those affecting livestock tracking, pesticide liability, and energy standards—relate to industries that play a role in the broader North Texas economy.
The House-passed bill now moves to the Senate, where additional revisions are expected before any final version is considered.
TX3DNews has reached out to Rep. Keith Self’s office for comment on these votes and will update this story if a response is provided.