Democrats Urge USDA to Use Contingency Reserve to Fund SNAP Benefits During Government Shutdown

Strategic Insights -

With the government shutdown posing a significant threat to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), 211 House Democrats, including Reps. Julia Brownley, Jahana Hayes, and Angie Craig, have sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins urging the agency to use contingency reserve dollars to fund SNAP benefits for November. The program, which serves 42 million people, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans, is set to lapse on November 1st due to the shutdown.

Key Takeaways:

  • The letter, signed by 211 House Democrats, urges the USDA to use contingency reserve dollars to fund SNAP benefits for November, citing the program's multi-year contingency funds.
  • The contingency reserve has enough funds to cover nearly two-thirds of the amount needed for a full month of benefits.
  • The Democrats argue that choosing not to ensure SNAP benefits reach those in need this November would be a "gross dereliction of your responsibilities to the American people."
  • The program serves 42 million people, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans.
  • The USDA's shutdown plan acknowledges that Congressional intent is evident that SNAP's operations should continue, despite the potential lapse in funding.

Statistics:

  • 42 million: The number of people served by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
  • 16 million: The number of children served by the SNAP program.
  • 8 million: The number of seniors served by the SNAP program.
  • 4 million: The number of people with disabilities served by the SNAP program.
  • 1.2 million: The number of veterans served by the SNAP program.
  • November 1st: The date when Snap funding is set to lapse due to the government shutdown.
  • 71%: The percentage of contingency reserve funds available to cover November benefits.

Sources:

  • "House Democrats Urge USDA to Use Contingency Reserve to Fund SNAP Benefits During Government Shutdown". October 24, 2025. United States House of Representatives -- Julia Brownley (D-CA)
  • "Letter to the Honorable Brooke Rollins, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture". October 24, 2025.
  • USDA's shutdown plan, acknowledging that "Congressional intent is evident that SNAP's operations should continue since the program has been provided with multi-year contingency funds..."