Sign in Subscribe
Food

Schumer Shutdown Threatens Federal Food Assistance Programs for 42 Million Americans

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the longest full government shutdown in American history enters its 30th day, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) condemned Democrats for prioritizing politics over people, using families as leverage, and holding paychecks hostage. According to Senator Barrasso, Democrats' decision to keep the government shut down will leave 42 million Americans without food assistance, including families, seniors, veterans, and soldiers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Approval ratings for Republicans in Congress have increased by 5 points since the Schumer Shutdown began.
  • Democrats' approval rating has dropped to its lowest position in 20 years, with 42 million Americans threatened with loss of food assistance.
  • Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) called the shutdown "the only lever we have," while Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware) admitted it's an "unpleasant tool" despite voting to keep the government closed.
  • Food pantries in Rhode Island and Delaware are experiencing high demand, with families making "backup plans" for groceries.
  • Democrats are accused of using hunger as a bargaining chip and prioritizing free healthcare for illegal immigrants over American families.
  • Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) called on Democrats to change course, stating "I don't think federal workers should be political pawns."
  • Senate Republicans have voted 13 times on a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution to reopen the government, while Democrats have voted against it every time.
  • Democrats claim President Trump can fund food assistance on his own, despite it being against the law.

Statistics:

  • 42 million Americans are threatened with loss of food assistance due to the Schumer Shutdown.
  • The shutdown is the longest full government shutdown in American history, with 30 days without funding for federal programs.
  • Twice as many Americans rely on food assistance (42 million) as those on the failed Obamacare exchanges (21 million).
  • Democrats claim President Trump can fund food assistance on his own, but this is against the law.
  • Senate Republicans have voted 13 times on a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution to reopen the government, while Democrats have voted against it every time.

Sources:

  • Senator John Barrasso's prepared remarks on the Schumer Shutdown
  • CNN polling showing increased approval for Republicans and decreased approval for Democrats
  • Remarks by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) and Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware) on the shutdown
  • Interview with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) by CNN
  • Senator Jeff Merkley's statement calling Democrats "powerless" to fund food programs

Read more