Earlier this year, Trump and Republicans cut $186 billion from SNAP in the "One Big Ugly Bill." Now, during the government shutdown, they're refusing to distribute authorized November benefits.
The Trump administration's own September shutdown plan stated they could use the contingency fund during a shutdown. Legal experts have confirmed this. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office has previously directed the administration to use these funds in exactly this situation.
Federal law is clear: "Assistance under this program shall be furnished to all eligible households." The Trump administration has not identified any legal justification for refusing to follow this requirement.
When SNAP benefits are cut or withheld, the damage extends far beyond individual families. Local grocery stores lose revenue and may close. Billions of dollars are pulled out of local economies. Food banks become overwhelmed as demand surges. Small businesses suffer as families have less money to spend. Entire communities face economic collapse.
Local Food Assistance Resources
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, these resources may be able to help:
Statewide toll-free 2-1-1 phone number, refers to non-emergency local social services: 211ca.org
Riverside County Department of Public Social Services Self-Sufficiency: 1-877-410-8827, rivcodpss.org
Bottom line: if Trump wanted to release these checks, he could. Please stay in touch with my office on how this shutdown is impacting your family.
