Congressman Sorensen Demands USDA Secretary Fund SNAP Benefits for November During Government Shutdown
The USDA is Refusing to Use Available Federal Funding to Cover SNAP Benefits in November During the Government Shutdown
64,000 Families Rely on SNAP in IL-17
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is demanding U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins use available federal funding to cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans in a letter with House Democrats.
“Millions of Illinoisans will go hungry next month because of Republican’s refusal to reopen the government with a plan to lower health care costs and a commitment to help feed families during the shutdown,” said Congressman Sorensen. “Families shouldn’t be suffering because of political games in Washington. There is absolutely no reason for SNAP benefits to be paused during a government shutdown when there is plenty of available funding. Secretary Rollins and Republicans in Congress need to do what is right to ensure my neighbors can put food on the table in November."
Before removing it from their website, USDA’s own shutdown plan acknowledged that “Congressional intent is evident that SNAP’s operations should continue since the program has been provided with multi-year contingency funds.” USDA still has significant funding available in SNAP’s contingency reserve – which Congress provides precisely for this reason – that can be used to fund the bulk of November benefits.SNAP is a lifeline for millions of American families who need help putting food on the table.
The program serves 42 million people across the country, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans. In Illinois, there are 1.9 million people relying on SNAP benefits, including 64,000 families in the 17th Congressional District.
You can read the full letter here.