1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

Millions of Americans are already feeling the effects of the government shutdown, and now even food assistance is running dry. SNAP is nearly out of funds while six billion dollars that could prevent this crisis sits untouched. Congress set aside that money to make sure families could eat during a shutdown. Yet the administration has chosen not to release it. The result is that children, seniors, veterans, and working parents nationwide are being used as pawns in a political standoff. At the same time, Washington has found billions to fund projects and protect power. The administration has sent twenty billion dollars to support Argentina’s far-right president Javier Milei, a close Trump ally, while taxpayers still cover security costs at Trump-owned properties worldwide and pay for security, staffing, and upkeep on the 230 million dollar White House ballroom. Money moves easily when it benefits the powerful, but not when it could help Americans afford food. Speaker Johnson continues to keep the House in recess rather than negotiating a path forward. He’s admitted that releasing SNAP’s emergency funds would lessen political pressure on Democrats, showing that this crisis is being prolonged for advantage, not necessity. Stop using hunger as leverage. Congress must order the USDA to release SNAP’s emergency reserves, end the shutdown, and investigate whether public resources are being misused for political or personal gain. Our government should put people before power and politics. Feed the nation. Restore fairness and responsibility.