42 Million Americans Could Lose SNAP Food Stamps in November as Government Shutdown Looms
Millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits —
commonly known as food stamps — could soon face major disruptions in
their monthly food aid as the government shutdown fight drags on.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has backed former
President Donald Trump’s decision not to use contingency funds to keep
the SNAP benefits program running, even as funding is set to expire.
SNAP Benefits at Risk in November
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),
which supports around 42 million low-income Americans, is expected to
run out of money by November 1 if Congress doesn’t approve new funding.
The White House has warned that without a stopgap spending
bill, millions of families could miss their food stamps SNAP benefits
starting this weekend. The warning adds new pressure on lawmakers to act before
the shutdown worsens.
Johnson Backs Trump’s Call
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Johnson said he reviewed
the legal advice on the issue and agreed that the $5 billion SNAP
contingency fund isn’t legally available for use right now.
He argued that tapping into those funds would “pull money away from school
meals and infant formula,” calling the source “finite.”
Democrats — and even some Republicans — disagree, insisting
that the administration has the legal power to use those funds during
emergencies to prevent hunger and disruption.
Political Divide Over Food Aid
The government shutdown SNAP benefits issue has
deepened partisan divisions. While Senate Republicans like Susan
Collins are urging a separate bill to fund SNAP temporarily, House leaders
appear unwilling to move forward unless Democrats agree to the GOP-backed
spending resolution.
Representative David Valadao from California, whose
district could be hit hard by a food stamps funding lapse, said:
“Piecemeal funding isn’t the way this should be done. Senate Democrats need to pass the clean bill and stop holding the American people hostage.”
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