18 Attorneys General Urge Senate Leader to Prevent Hunger for 42 Million Americans

Strategic Insights -

The US Senate's gridlock over the government shutdown threatens to leave 42 million Americans without access to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides essential food aid to working families, seniors, and people with disabilities. In a letter to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, 18 state attorneys general, including South Carolina's Alan Wilson, have urged him to support a clean continuing resolution to keep the government open and SNAP funded. This follows a notice from the US Department of Agriculture indicating that SNAP benefits will not be issued on November 1 if the shutdown persists.

Key Takeaways:

  • 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits to feed their families, with over 260,000 recipients in South Carolina alone.
  • The attorneys general urge Schumer to pass a clean continuing resolution to keep essential services funded and protect those who rely on them.
  • The shutdown has lasting effects on working families, seniors, and people with disabilities, who may be unable to access essential food aid.
  • Schumer has refused to pass a clean Continuing Resolution, instead repeatedly voting for it during the Biden Administration.
  • 18 attorneys general from across the country, including South Carolina's Alan Wilson and Ohio's Derek Yost, have joined forces to pressure Schumer into action.
  • The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed that SNAP benefits will not be issued on November 1 if the shutdown continues.
  • The gridlock is primarily driven by the Senate's refusal to pass a clean Continuing Resolution, with Schumer and other Democrats demanding concessions from Republicans.

Statistics:

  • 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits.
  • 260,000 South Carolinians rely on SNAP benefits.
  • SNAP benefits will not be issued on November 1 if the shutdown persists.
  • 18 attorneys general have joined forces to urge Schumer into action.
  • 12 times, Senate Democrats have declined to pass a clean Continuing Resolution.

Sources:

  • https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/attorney-general-alan-wilson-joins-18-attorneys-general-to-urge-senate-leader-to-provide-stopgap-funding-for-snap/