House of Representatives
The Trump administration has issued a stark warning that millions of Americans could lose access to federal food benefits within days if Democrats refuse to approve Republicans’ plan to end the ongoing government shutdown.
According to a memo obtained by Fox News Digital, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it lacks the authority to redirect funds into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.
“Due to Congressional Democrats’ refusal to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR), approximately 42 million individuals will not receive their SNAP benefits come November 1st,” the memo stated.
The department warned that the lapse would impact all SNAP recipients, including those who recently applied for benefits and furloughed federal employees expecting their combined October and November payments.
Democrats push for contingency funds
Democrats have urged the Trump administration to use the USDA’s SNAP contingency fund, reportedly holding about $5 billion, to bridge the shortfall. However, USDA officials argue that this reserve cannot legally be used for routine benefit payments.
The memo explained,
“SNAP contingency funds are only available to supplement regular monthly benefits when amounts have been appropriated but are insufficient to cover them. The contingency fund is not available to support fiscal year 2026 regular benefits because the appropriation for regular benefits no longer exists.”
Instead, the fund is reserved for emergencies such as natural disasters, through programs like Disaster SNAP.
The USDA further warned that diverting funds from other federal programs could have dire consequences, pulling resources from school meals and infant formula.
“This Administration will not allow Democrats to jeopardize funding for school meals and infant formula in order to prolong their shutdown,” it said.
SNAP funds run dry as political fight intensifies
On Monday morning, the USDA issued a public statement reiterating that Senate Democrats have “voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program.”
“Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 1,” the agency said. “They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures, or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”
A letter signed by nearly all House Democrats on Friday countered the USDA’s position, insisting the contingency fund should be used for exactly such situations.
“We urge USDA to use these funds for November SNAP benefits and issue clear guidance to states,” they wrote.
Obamacare subsidies at center of impasse
Democrats have said they will not approve any funding bill that excludes an extension of the enhanced Obamacare subsidies introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which are set to expire at the end of this year.
Meanwhile, Republicans’ proposed continuing resolution, a short-term funding measure to extend fiscal year 2025 spending, passed the House on September 19 but remains stalled in the Senate.
As the shutdown drags into its 27th day, both parties remain locked in a standoff, with 42 million Americans’ access to food assistance hanging in the balance.
