The US government shutdown has left millions of Americans without access to basic necessities like food, healthcare, and paychecks. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, is set to expire on Saturday due to the shutdown. This will affect approximately 42 million people who rely on SNAP for their groceries.
Food banks across the country are already struggling to meet the demand from hundreds of thousands of federal workers who are furloughed or working without pay. If SNAP benefits are cut off, food banks and food pantries will be pushed past the breaking point, and many will have to turn people away or ration assistance so that everybody gets something.
The National Council of Nonprofits has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the Trump administration doesn't have the legal authority to suspend SNAP benefits and must tap into a USDA contingency fund to keep the program going. However, the USDA argues it doesn't have the legal authority to use this $5 billion fund.
Food banks are already under pressure due to high grocery prices and the government shutdown. The head of a group that represents charitable organizations said Thursday that food banks will be "pushed past the breaking point" if federal food aid is cut off this weekend.
The president has called on Republicans to do away with the filibuster, which would allow for a simple majority vote in the Senate to pass legislation. However, most Senate Republicans have rejected these calls over the years, arguing that the filibuster upholds the upper chamber's unique role in ensuring major legislation attracts bipartisan support.
The White House says U.S. military forces will be paid today as scheduled, using funds from various accounts. However, this does not address the broader issue of federal workers being furloughed or working without pay due to the shutdown.
The situation is complex and contentious, with different factions having differing views on how to proceed. Ultimately, it will depend on negotiations between lawmakers and the administration to find a solution that addresses the needs of all parties involved.
Food banks across the country are already struggling to meet the demand from hundreds of thousands of federal workers who are furloughed or working without pay. If SNAP benefits are cut off, food banks and food pantries will be pushed past the breaking point, and many will have to turn people away or ration assistance so that everybody gets something.
The National Council of Nonprofits has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the Trump administration doesn't have the legal authority to suspend SNAP benefits and must tap into a USDA contingency fund to keep the program going. However, the USDA argues it doesn't have the legal authority to use this $5 billion fund.
Food banks are already under pressure due to high grocery prices and the government shutdown. The head of a group that represents charitable organizations said Thursday that food banks will be "pushed past the breaking point" if federal food aid is cut off this weekend.
The president has called on Republicans to do away with the filibuster, which would allow for a simple majority vote in the Senate to pass legislation. However, most Senate Republicans have rejected these calls over the years, arguing that the filibuster upholds the upper chamber's unique role in ensuring major legislation attracts bipartisan support.
The White House says U.S. military forces will be paid today as scheduled, using funds from various accounts. However, this does not address the broader issue of federal workers being furloughed or working without pay due to the shutdown.
The situation is complex and contentious, with different factions having differing views on how to proceed. Ultimately, it will depend on negotiations between lawmakers and the administration to find a solution that addresses the needs of all parties involved.
. Food stamps are already struggling to keep up with demand as it is, now they're gonna have to ration out food like some kind of cruel joke. And you know what's even worse? The fact that there's no clear solution in sight 
. It's like the government just gave up on these people and said "oh well" 
. I mean I get it, politics is complex, but come on! Can't we find a way to compromise on this one? 5 billion dollars can't even save us from ourselves 
. And don't even get me started on the military getting paid but federal workers not getting anything... what kind of system is that?! 
this is just getting crazy... i mean, food stamps are like, literally what everyone needs, right? but noooo... politicians can't agree on something basic. it's not just about food banks and people going hungry, it's about how we treat our own citizens. the fact that ppl in gov't r struggling to get paid is messed up 2. we need 2 find a way outta this mess ASAP 
or else... i don't even wanna think about it 
This whole situation is super worrying, you know? Millions of people are gonna be affected if SNAP benefits get cut off. Food banks are already straining under the pressure of high grocery prices and furloughed workers... it's like they're gonna reach their breaking point 
. I mean, the president says military personnel will get paid today, but that's just a Band-Aid on a much bigger issue 
. It's not like it's going to break the bank or anything 
. And let's be real, most Senate Republicans are just trying to do their job and ensure bipartisan support... it's all about finding a solution that works for everyone 
.
. And it's not like it's just the SNAP program, there are so many other folks who rely on that for groceries too. I mean, can't we find a way to work together and make sure everyone gets some kind of support? It feels like nobody's listening to anyone else over here 
...
Food banks and charities are doing their best with the resources they have, and that's amazing to see. And have you heard that the US military is getting paid today? That's one less thing to worry about! 
I know it's hard to stay positive when things seem dark, but let's focus on the helpers instead – the people who are working tirelessly to support those in need. We got this, America! 
Can't we just agree to disagree on budget stuff? 
. Food banks r already overwhelmed w/fed workers who can't get paid or access food bcs of the shutdown 
. We need a solution ASAP, not just for ppl but also 4 our nation's reputation 
. Let's get some bipartisan action goin' on, or it'll be a disaster 
! #SNAPbenefitsMatter #FoodInsecurityIsReal #GovShutdown #ActNow
it's crazy how the gov't shutdown affects everyone, not just the workers. i feel so bad for those in need 
. I know they're trying to find a solution but it feels like no one is listening to anyone 
. And what's with the $5 billion contingency fund 
. Can't we just have a decent system in place where everyone gets a fair shot 
? I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens next 
.
I'm kinda surprised the US government is still having these problems after so many years... like, shouldn't they have figured out how to work together by now? 
. I just hope lawmakers and the administration can put aside their differences and find a way to help everyone out 
.
. It's all just a big mess, and I'm not seeing how it's gonna end well