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Food assistance

House Democrats Demand USDA Action to Fund SNAP Amid Government Shutdown

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

House Democrats, led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, joined forces with 212 of their colleagues to demand the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) use reserve funds to continue the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown. The program, which provides vital nutrition assistance to 42 million families and children, is set to lapse on November 1, leaving many at risk of hunger. Congressman Krishnamoorthi, who is deeply familiar with the program having grown up on food stamps, emphasized the critical importance of SNAP benefits, stating that even a slight lapse would cause immense harm to working families across Illinois.

Key Takeaways:

  • 212 House Democrats, including Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and Congresswoman Angie Craig, signed a letter demanding the USDA use reserve funds to continue SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.
  • The SNAP program is set to lapse on November 1, leaving 42 million families and children at risk of going hungry.
  • Congressman Krishnamoorthi, who is a child of food stamps, understands the devastating impact of a SNAP lapse on working families, stating that they would have to choose between food and other critical expenses like rent or healthcare.
  • There is currently enough in the SNAP contingency reserve to cover nearly two-thirds of the funding needed for a full month of benefits.
  • The Members are calling on the USDA to use its statutory transfer authority or any other lawful means to address shortfalls that the contingency reserve cannot cover.
  • The letter to Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasizes that SNAP benefits are the difference between having food or not for millions of families, veterans, seniors, and children.

Statistics:

  • 42 million families and children are at risk of going hungry if SNAP benefits lapse on November 1.
  • There is enough in the SNAP contingency reserve to cover nearly two-thirds of the funding needed for a full month of benefits.
  • 212 House Democrats signed the letter demanding the USDA take immediate action to fund SNAP.

Sources:

  • Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, "Congressman Krishnamoorthi joins House Democrats in Demanding USDA Take Immediate Action to Fund SNAP" (October 28)
  • House Democrats, "Letter to Secretary Brooke Rollins on SNAP Funding" (exact source not provided)

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