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Food assistance

House Democrats Demand USDA Secretary to Use Contingency Reserve Funds for SNAP Benefits During Government Shutdown

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

House Democrats, led by Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and Congresswoman Angie Craig, have joined forces to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to use the contingency reserve funds to continue the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the government shutdown. With no bipartisan agreement to reopen the government, SNAP funding is set to lapse on November 1, putting 42 million children and families, including 100,000 people in Congressman John Garamendi's district, at risk of experiencing hunger.

Key Takeaways:

  • The letter is signed by 212 House Democrats, including Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and Congresswoman Angie Craig, who have demanded that the USDA Secretary use the contingency reserve funds to continue SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.
  • 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 have also called on the agency to use its statutory transfer authority or any other lawful means to address shortfalls that the contingency reserve cannot cover.
  • The SNAP benefits are crucial for millions of families across the country, with 42 million individuals relying on the program, including 100,000 people in Congressman John Garamendi's district.
  • The government shutdown has put these families at risk of experiencing hunger, with SNAP funding set to lapse on November 1.
  • The USDA Secretary has been urged to take immediate action to ensure that SNAP benefits reach those in need, with members citing the program's importance in supporting veterans, seniors, and children.
  • The letter highlights the devastating impact of the government shutdown on the SNAP program, with members warning that a potential lapse in benefits would be felt by Americans of all ages and affect every corner and congressional district in the country.

Statistics:

  • 42 million individuals rely on SNAP benefits, including veterans, seniors, and children.
  • 100,000 people in Congressman John Garamendi's district rely on SNAP benefits.
  • The SNAP contingency reserve has enough funds to cover nearly two-thirds of the funding needed for a full month of benefits.
  • The government shutdown has put 42 million individuals at risk of experiencing hunger due to the potential lapse in SNAP benefits.

Sources:

  • [Source 1: United States House of Representatives -- Congressman John Garamendi -- Representing California's 3rd Congressional District](http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/http://congressmanjohn.garamendi.house.gov/media/press-releases/defending-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-during-government-shutdown/)
  • [Source 2: United States House of Representatives -- Congresswoman Jahana Hayes -- Representing Connecticut's 5th Congressional District](http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/http://jahana.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-hayes-leading-effort-ensure-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-continues/)

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