(LOOTPRESS) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Saturday that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will stop operating if Congress does not act before the federal government shuts down on November 1.
“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program,” the USDA website reads. “Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01.”
The statement adds, “We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”
According to federal data, about 42 million Americans—roughly 12% of the U.S. population—received SNAP benefits last year, with the average monthly amount being $187.20.
At least 25 states are expected to pause food stamp distributions next month if federal funding is not restored. Several have already begun organizing state-level programs to help offset food insecurity.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump supports legislation to extend SNAP funding beyond the November 1 deadline.
She also noted that Trump is willing to negotiate with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) to reach an agreement.
The USDA statement follows similar alerts posted by other federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which have both issued online warnings about the potential impacts of a government shutdown.
