1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I’m writing to express my frustration and disbelief that we’ve reached a point where families may lose access to food assistance—just as the Christmas season is starting—because Congress can’t perform its most basic duty: funding the government. SNAP and school meal programs aren’t luxuries; they’re lifelines. In Missouri, tens of thousands of children rely on them every day. The possibility that November benefits could be delayed—or stopped entirely—because of political dysfunction is unacceptable. Let’s stop pretending this is about fiscal discipline. Failing to fund food programs doesn’t save money; it simply shifts the cost to schools, food banks, and communities already stretched thin. That’s bad economics and worse ethics. Meanwhile, the president is demolishing the East Wing to build a $300 million ballroom. I understand that’s a separate funding source, but symbolism matters. When the government can find hundreds of millions for a luxury construction project while millions of Americans face hunger, the problem isn’t resources—it’s values. Republicans currently control the White House, the House, and the Senate. With that control comes responsibility. If unified government can’t ensure that kids can eat and workers can buy groceries, then our leadership has lost sight of its purpose. I’m asking you to act now: pass a clean appropriations bill, fund the USDA, and restore essential programs. Stop using food as leverage. The American people deserve competence and conscience—not chaos and self-indulgence.