Schumer, Dems call 'bull----' on Trump administration over food stamp shutdown threat

A looming crisis threatens food assistance for millions of Americans. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, faces a potential cutoff as funding dwindles due to the ongoing government shutdown, potentially leaving 42 million people without benefits. The Department of Agriculture issued a stark warning: without congressional action, SNAP funds will be exhausted by November 1st. Despite the existence of a $5 billion emergency fund, the USDA maintains it lacks the legal authority to access those resources. This claim ignited a furious response from Senate Democrats. They pointed directly to a previous shutdown in 2019, when President Trump authorized SNAP funding through then-Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, effectively dismissing the current justification as false. “They funded it under Trump in the last shutdown,” declared Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, accusing the administration of deliberately misleading the public. The argument centers on a perceived hypocrisy – a precedent already established during a similar situation. Both parties acknowledge the urgency, with lawmakers introducing bills to avert the impending loss of benefits. However, a fundamental disagreement persists over the approach. Senate Republicans resist piecemeal funding solutions, advocating instead for a complete reopening of the government. Senator John Thune argued that targeted funding creates unnecessary complications and accusations of favoritism. He believes a comprehensive resolution is the only sensible path forward, ensuring all federal employees and programs are restored. Democrats are willing to support proposals from both sides of the aisle, including bills that would also safeguard the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Senator Benray Lujan didn’t mince words, calling the situation a deliberate attempt to justify allowing millions to go hungry. The debate extends to the House, where Democrats are urging the administration to immediately release the existing emergency funds. Representative Joe Neguse emphasized that current law *requires* the funds to be utilized, and a lawsuit has been filed in Massachusetts to compel action. Republicans continue to insist that reopening the government is the only viable solution. Yet, Democrats point to their own past warnings about the consequences of funding lapses, accusing Republicans of using vulnerable citizens as leverage in the shutdown negotiations. The current standoff is particularly striking given Democrats’ previous stance. Schumer himself warned of similar consequences during a shutdown threat in 2023. Now, he squarely blames Republicans for the potential disruption to food assistance, labeling their actions as hostage-taking.