Governors, Policymakers Urge Federal Action to Restore SNAP Benefits Amid Shutdown Impacting Millions

As the federal government shutdown continues, there is growing concern and political effort to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which support over 42 million Americans. Iowa Democrats have urged Governor Kim Reynolds and Attorney General Brenna Bird to use state funds and join a lawsuit demanding the resumption of SNAP benefits. Meanwhile, Senator Josh Hawley and other Republicans have pushed for legislation to keep SNAP funded despite the shutdown, with bipartisan support growing in the Senate. Local leaders, such as Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, have called the suspension of SNAP benefits cruel and dangerous, emphasizing the severe impact on vulnerable populations. Additionally, 21 governors, including Connecticut's Ned Lamont, have collectively urged President Trump to release federal emergency funds to prevent SNAP benefit disruptions, warning of catastrophic effects on families and local economies. The Trump administration and USDA's stance on the use of contingency funds remains a point of contention amid these efforts.