Senator Luján Leads Effort to Protect SNAP and WIC Programs Amid Government Shutdown

Strategic Insights -

United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) is taking his fight to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to a national audience. As the government shutdown continues, Senator Luján is leading a bill to keep these programs running, which has been blocked by Senate Republicans. The bill aims to prevent the Trump administration from withholding available funds for these programs, which would leave millions of Americans without access to food assistance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Luján has introduced legislation to prevent the Trump administration from withholding available funds for SNAP and WIC programs.
  • The Senate Republicans have blocked this legislation, despite the fact that there are $5 billion and $23 billion available in contingency funds that can be used for these programs.
  • Senator Luján has repeatedly called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to immediately use available funds to protect SNAP benefits for millions of Americans.
  • The shutdown has been ongoing for several weeks, and House Republicans have been home for six weeks or so, making it imperative for leaders to work together to find a solution.
  • Senator Luján has praised New Mexico for stepping up to fill the gap in food assistance and has included in his legislation that states should be able to be reimbursed if they provide this support.

Statistics:

  • $5 billion exists in one contingency fund that can be used for food programs.
  • $23 billion exists in another contingency fund that can be used for food programs.
  • 25 states have filed a lawsuit on the issue of SNAP and WIC funding ahead of the halting of benefits at the start of November.

Sources:

  • Politico: Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced legislation to keep food aid flowing during the shutdown
  • NBC: Senate Democrats will bring to the floor a stand-alone funding bill to keep SNAP and WIC
  • ABC: Lujan's bill came as 25 states have filed a lawsuit on the issue ahead of the halting of benefits at the start of November
  • United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) interview with Jen Psaki
  • United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico) interview with Chris Jansing
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