House Republicans are using the ongoing debt ceiling standoff to pursue their longstanding goal of requiring more low-income Americans to work in exchange for government benefits, such as food stamps and Medicaid, which they see as a means to reduce government spending while giving a boost to the labor force. However, this controversial policy is causing some apprehension, with hardliners wanting stricter requirements and moderate members being concerned about potential blowback. Under the package, childless, able-bodied adults ages 18 to 55 could get food stamps for only three months out of every three years if they do not meet work requirements, which put almost a million between the ages of 50 and 55 at risk of losing their food assistance unless they work sufficient hours and maintain employment records, receive an exemption, or live in an area where the mandate is waived. Although the House plans to pass the legislation this week, which is not expected to pass the Democratic-led Senate nor gain White House approval, it could serve as a starting point for negotiations regarding addressing the debt ceiling. However, critics of this mandate worry that work requirements would shrink vital safety net programs, leaving millions struggling to meet basic needs.