Urgent: End Shutdown to Protect SNAP and WIC Benefits

The ongoing government shutdown poses an imminent threat to the food security of millions of Americans. I am writing to urge you, Representative Smucker, to take immediate action to end this shutdown by extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits and blocking the proposed illegal budget cuts. The consequences of inaction are dire. If the shutdown continues into November, approximately 42 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries and 7 million Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program recipients could lose their vital food support. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has already warned that SNAP funding will be insufficient for November, while WIC is currently facing funding shortages. These programs are not just numbers on a budget sheet. They represent a lifeline for our most vulnerable citizens, including children, the elderly, and low-income families. SNAP and WIC play a crucial role in fighting hunger, reducing child abuse, lowering health care costs, and improving the overall health of recipients. The potential loss of these benefits would cause untold suffering and long-term damage to our communities. Some states are already considering pausing new WIC applications or using their own limited funds to cover the gaps. This patchwork approach is unsustainable and puts an unfair burden on state budgets. The clock is ticking. SNAP benefits are only funded through October, leaving millions of Americans facing an uncertain future. As your constituent, I implore you to act swiftly to end this shutdown. Extend the ACA tax credits and block the proposed budget cuts that would further harm vulnerable populations. Your immediate action is necessary to prevent a looming humanitarian crisis and protect the well-being of millions of Americans who rely on these essential food assistance programs. Time is of the essence. Please prioritize this issue and work across the aisle to resolve the shutdown before November arrives. The health and security of our nation's most vulnerable citizens depend on your swift and decisive action.