Wed Oct 29 08:40:00 UTC 2025: SNAP Benefits at Risk as Government Shutdown Drags On
WASHINGTON (AP) – Millions of Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) face the potential loss of food assistance benefits in November as the government shutdown stretches into its fourth week. The Department of Agriculture has announced that SNAP debit cards will not be replenished next month due to the funding impasse.
Vice President JD Vance said Tuesday that, “We’ve got food stamp benefits that are set to run out in a week. We’re trying to keep as much open as possible. We just need the Democrats to actually help us out.”
The shutdown is also impacting military families, with concerns over whether active duty service members will receive their next paycheck. The administration maintains that they will.
A coalition of states has filed a lawsuit seeking to compel the Agriculture Department to use contingency funds to maintain SNAP benefits. Meanwhile, Head Start programs also face potential closures if the shutdown continues, impacting thousands of children and families.
The political deadlock continues, with Democrats and Republicans blaming each other for the impasse. House Speaker Mike Johnson continues to push for Democrats to pass the House’s spending bill.
Democrats insist that funding the government also address health care costs. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer argues that increasing pressure will be put on Republicans as Americans’ health care bills increase.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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