Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has introduced a bill aimed at ensuring the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains funded during the ongoing government shutdown. The proposed legislation, called the Keep SNAP Funded Act, has gained support from several senators, including James Lankford (R-Okla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).

The move comes as some states have reported potential shortfalls in SNAP funding due to the shutdown. In Missouri alone, about 650,000 people rely on SNAP benefits for food assistance.

Senator Hawley stated, “Needy families in Missouri should not be going hungry because a bunch of politicians in DC can’t figure out how to open the government. 650,000 people in Missouri depend on help when it comes to the price of food and groceries. I don’t want to see these folks go without food. I hope everybody will support this legislation.”

Senator Lankford commented on efforts by previous administrations to mitigate the effects of government shutdowns: “The Trump Administration has tried to shield the American people from the harmful effects of this Democrat shutdown. But as the shutdown drags on, the reality is the only way to guarantee paychecks for federal employees, keep America’s skies safe for travelers, and ensure critical safety-net programs remain available for Oklahomans in need is to reopen the government. Under President Biden, this same type of clean continuing resolution passed on a bipartisan basis thirteen times. Now, under President Trump, it’s exceptionally disappointing to see Democrats choosing politics over paychecks and the most vulnerable.”

Senator Blackburn highlighted how many Tennesseans depend on SNAP: “Roughly one in 10 Tennesseans receive SNAP benefits for food assistance, and they shouldn’t have to worry about where their next meal will come from because the Democrats are holding government funding hostage to appease their far-left base. Our Keep SNAP Funded Act would ensure Tennesseans do not miss a meal during the Democrats’ shutdown.”

Senator Collins emphasized that SNAP is vital for many Mainers: “No American should face hunger because of partisan brinkmanship in Washington. SNAP is a lifeline for more than 170,000 Mainers, including 50,000 children and 73,000 older adults, who rely on this critical nutrition assistance. As Congress works to resolve the needless and reckless government shutdown, passing this legislation to ensure that SNAP payments continue without interruption is a top priority.”

If enacted, the Keep SNAP Funded Act would provide full funding for SNAP throughout any period of government shutdown by appropriating necessary funds retroactively from its start.