1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the potential disruption of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, which could have devastating consequences for millions of vulnerable Americans. Recent statements by President Trump on Truth Social suggesting that SNAP benefits will not be paid until the shutdown ends directly contradict federal court rulings. This situation demands immediate attention and action. Two federal courts have already ruled that the White House must pay at least partial SNAP benefits even during a shutdown. These rulings recognize the critical importance of this program, which 42 million Americans rely on for basic nutrition. The majority of SNAP recipients are children and adults over 60, making this an issue of protecting our most vulnerable populations. The impact of withholding SNAP benefits cannot be overstated. Food banks across the country lack the resources to replace SNAP provisions, leaving millions at risk of hunger. This is particularly alarming given that this is the first shutdown to potentially disrupt SNAP payments. I urge you to take immediate action to ensure compliance with the court orders and guarantee the continuation of SNAP benefits. A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the White House to respond to a demand for full SNAP benefits by Wednesday. It is crucial that this deadline is met and that a clear plan is presented to maintain these essential benefits. While the administration claims it could take weeks to comply with court orders due to state payment system reconfigurations, the urgency of this situation demands swift action. Families cannot wait weeks for food assistance. The potential human cost of delay is simply too high. I ask that you use your position to advocate for immediate compliance with court orders and the continuation of SNAP benefits. This is not just a matter of following legal rulings; it's about preventing a humanitarian crisis and upholding our commitment to the most vulnerable members of our society. Your leadership on this issue is crucial to protect millions of Americans from food insecurity during this challenging time.