Food Assistance During the Government Shutdown
I know that people are already struggling with the high cost of living, particularly the cost of groceries.
Now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to cut off SNAP benefits on November 1st will make many families uncertain about how they will put food on the table. If you are in need of assistance, local food banks are available to help.
I strongly support legal action taken by Connecticut and 24 other states to force the USDA to keep SNAP benefits online. The lawsuit is based on the simple fact that USDA legal council has ruled numerous times that $6 billion in contingency funds are available to be used for SNAP benefits during a government shutdown. On Friday, two federal courts ruled against the Trump Administration SNAP cutoff. These rulings will hopefully release contingency funds to restore the flow of SNAP benefits.
It would be a far better use of time and effort if the Administration convened bipartisan negotiations to resolve the budget impasse and fully reopen the government. In addition, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson should reopen the House of Representatives so that an agreement can be enacted.
Connecticut residents in need of food assistance can call 211 or visit ctfoodshare.org/get-help. If you are being impacted by the government shutdown, do not hesitate to reach out to my Norwich office for resources and support. Call us at (860) 886-0139.